Impact Grants

Purpose: Award funding to nonprofit programs that address United Way's critical issues in the focus areas of health, education, and financial stability.

Geographic Scope: Six-county service area including Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, and Wayne counties in West Virginia; Lawrence and Gallia counties in Ohio

Award Amount (2022-23 Cycle): $281,620 total distributed

• School readiness and early childhood education
• After-school tutoring and academic enrichment
• Reading and literacy programs
• Youth mentorship programs
• Literacy and adult education
• Career readiness and job training
• Financial literacy education
• Employment services
• Preventive health education
• Mental health and substance abuse support
• Senior health and wellness programs
• Community health services

Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving the six-county service area in United Way's impact focus areas

Example Funded Programs (2022-23):

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State — $35,000
• John W. Hereford Boys and Girls Clubs of Huntington — $30,000
• Lily's Place — $35,000
• Tri-State Literacy Council — $21,000
• Dress for Success River Cities — $24,000
• Catholic Charities West Virginia — $24,500
• YMCA of Huntington — $13,000
• Goodwill of KYOVA — $25,000

Selection Process:

• Community Impact Council reviews applications
• Applications scored by volunteer evaluation team
• Approximately 700+ volunteer hours annually for review
• Email: steve.cline@unitedwayrivercities.org
• Phone: 304-523-8929

Organization Info:

• United Way of the River Cities
• Address: 820 Madison Ave, Huntington, WV 25704
• Phone: 304-523-8929
• Hours: M-F 8am-4:30pm
• Website: unitedwayrivercities.org

Application Process

1. Initial Inquiry: Contact United Way regarding grant cycle and application timeline
2. Application Submission: Submit comprehensive nonprofit grant application
3. Application Contents: Include program description, target population, outcomes, budget, organizational capacity
4. Community Impact Council Review: Applications reviewed and scored by CIC members and community volunteer evaluators
5. Review Period: Approximately 5 months
6. Capacity Building: Additional $1,000 per grantee recommended for capacity building (as of 2022)
7. Awards Announcement: Announced following review period

Required Information:

• Organization mission and history
• Program description aligned with United Way impact areas
• Goals and measurable outcomes
• Target population and geographic service area
• Detailed budget and budget narrative
• Evaluation methods and metrics
• Organizational capacity and staffing
• Financial statements and audit information

Contact for Application Details: Steve Cline, Director of Community Impact

• Email: steve.cline@unitedwayrivercities.org
• Phone: 304-523-8929