Social Innovation Investments

Focus: Breaking the cycle of systemic poverty through innovative research and community action

Cedar Valley United Way reserves special allocation of funds for breaking the cycle of systemic poverty through innovative research and community action. This category supports new and innovative collaborative ventures designed to address root causes of poverty in the Cedar Valley.

Program Focus

• New ventures and ideas for learning
• Intent to impact root causes of poverty
• Innovative collaborative initiatives
• Research-based approaches to breaking poverty cycle
• Community action projects

Funding Amount

FY 2023-2024: $50,000 allocated for social innovation grants

Program Requirements

• Must be a new venture or idea for learning
• Must have intent to impact root causes of poverty in the Cedar Valley
• Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or have a fiscal sponsor with this status
• Must serve clients within a 30-mile radius of Waterloo, IA
• Additional eligibility requirements apply

Review Process

• No deadline for Social Innovation Investment proposals
• Proposals reviewed according to timeline and eligibility requirements
• Reviewed per need
• Recipients announced as grants are awarded

Geographic Scope

Serving organizations within a 30-mile radius of Waterloo, IA (Cedar Valley area)

Application Process

Application System: Online through Cedar Valley United Way application management system (e-CImpact)

Timeline:

• No set deadline for Social Innovation Investment proposals
• Proposals may be submitted and reviewed according to timeline and eligibility requirements
• Recipients announced as grants are awarded
• Review conducted per need basis

Required Materials:

• Evidence of innovative approach to addressing systemic poverty
• Research basis or community action plan
• Collaborative venture details
• Impact measurement plan

For More Information:
Contact Debbie Roth at debbie.roth@cvuw.org or (319) 235-6211 ext. 18

Important Notes:

• Rolling submission process with no specific deadline
• Flexibility in review timeline compared to other funding categories