United Way of Southeast Missouri Grant Program

United Way of Southeast Missouri (UWSEMO), part of the global United Way network, is inviting program applications for its 2026–2028 funding cycle. With over 70 years of local engagement, UWSEMO continues its mission to strengthen community impact across Southeast Missouri. Their focus is on increasing youth opportunity, promoting healthy communities, ensuring financial stability, and fostering community resilience through essential safety net programs. Each local United Way chapter maintains autonomy over its funding process. For UWSEMO, grant decisions are made by a team of community volunteers on the board of directors and the Community Investment Committee (CIC), ensuring that funding allocations reflect the specific needs of the region. The 2026–2028 grant opportunity seeks program-level partnerships—not agency-level investments. All proposals must fall within the strategic impact areas of youth, health, financial security, or community resilience. Applicants are expected to deliver services within one or more of the following counties: Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Perry, and the northern part of Scott County in Missouri. Eligibility is limited to programs operated by 501(c)(3) organizations or those with an established 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. The grant application process begins with a preliminary questionnaire. Only those who meet all basic criteria will be invited to submit a full application. The comprehensive application includes a requirement to submit a detailed program budget. Selected grantees will become part of the UWSEMO partner network and are expected to contribute annual outcomes data and assist in promotional efforts to publicly highlight their partnership with United Way. The 2026 grant window opens on February 2 and closes on February 27 at 5 PM CST. After an internal review period, all applicants will be notified between March 16–20 regarding their advancement status. On March 26, those programs moving forward will present their proposals to UWSEMO’s board, CIC, interested donors, and community members at an event held at 16 North Spanish Street in Cape Girardeau. Final funding decisions and public announcements are scheduled for May 4–8, with selected programs formally invited to join the United Way network. Funding decisions are highly competitive. The number of funding requests typically exceeds the amount of donor dollars available, often by a factor of two. While UWSEMO values all community-serving initiatives, the organization emphasizes a strategic focus on initiatives that dismantle systemic barriers and create long-term, sustainable financial security for residents. All applicants are encouraged to review the Frequently Asked Questions before submitting their materials and to ensure they meet every criterion to maximize the likelihood of consideration.