United Way of Greenville County Organizational Grants (How We Win Strategy)

United Way of Greenville County Organizational Grants

Geographic Scope: Greenville County, South Carolina

Focus Areas:

• Housing (affordable housing access)
• Childcare (high-quality, affordable childcare)
• Education (postsecondary education and industry certifications)
• Transportation

Grant Strategy: Multi-year grants (3 years: 2024-2026 cycle) to qualified community organizations aligned with United Way's "How We Win" organizational strategy (2023-2030) designed to fight the persistence of poverty by eliminating barriers to higher earnings.

Eligibility:

• 501(c)(3) organizations
• Quasi-governmental organizations
• Must be aligned with United Way's investment strategy
• Must have been in existence for at least 2 years
• Must serve those living in Greenville County
• Must address poverty and align with United Way's organizational strategy

What United Way Does NOT Fund:

• Capital projects and campaigns
• Organizations not addressing poverty
• Organizations not aligned with United Way's strategy
• Organizations in existence less than 2 years
• Organizations not serving Greenville County residents

Funding Details:

• Current investment: $3 million annually to 67 local nonprofit organizations
• Award amount: Determined during site visit process
• Funding period: January 1 - December 31 (renewed annually for 3 years based on performance and fund availability)
• General operating support (not program-specific)
• Can include personnel costs

Application Type: General operating support rather than program-specific funding

Address: 105 Edinburgh Court, Greenville, SC 29607

Application Process

Timeline (based on 2023 cycle):

1. RFP and application released May 1
2. Proposals due June 1 at 5 p.m.
3. Review period and site visits June 2 - August 30
4. Funding decisions notified beginning September 1
5. Funding begins January 1

Informational Sessions:

• Sessions held for funded partners and prospective partners
• Available both in-person and via Zoom

Application Requirements:

• Organizational chart
• Board of Directors information
• Financial documents:
  • Audit (if budget over $250,000)
  • Profit & Loss statement accepted (if budget under $250,000)
• Insurance documentation (upload all together in one document)
• Unofficial high school transcript (if applicable)
• Letters of recommendation (if applicable)

Application Details:

• System auto-saves work
• Multiple people can work on application simultaneously (coordinate which sections each person manages)
• Grant request amount discussed during site visit (not in initial application)
• No additional documents uploaded with application; supporting materials presented at site visit
• Volunteers can be listed as crucial personnel (identify volunteer positions on organizational chart)

Site Visits:

• Conducted June 12 - July 14 (based on 2023 timeline)
• Duration: No longer than one hour
• Review team: 3 people (United Way staff and community evaluators)
• Attendees: Organization leaders and key members
• Includes: Panel interview and brief organizational tour

Reporting Requirements (if funded):

• Must agree to measure and report on defined outcomes
• Proposals must illustrate measurable impact
• Annual performance reviews determine funding renewal

Partnerships:

• Organizations can partner/collaborate with other organizations to apply
• Cannot apply for multiple programs; must apply for general operating support