Strong Start Grant Program

United Way's Strong Start funding opportunity supports eligible nonprofit organizations providing programs for young children and their families in Stark County, Carroll County, or both. The Strong Start priority focuses on lessening or preventing the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences during early childhood, specifically for children ages 0 through 8 who live under the federal poverty level. Programming is intended to help young children build skills, meet developmental milestones, and develop stronger relationships with caring adults so that they have a strong start early in life. Priority will be given to programs reaching families in neighborhoods with the highest rates of childhood poverty. Programs may use a range of approaches when they clearly advance the Strong Start priority. Examples identified by United Way include early childhood education, home visiting, parenting support, mentoring with a social-emotional component, after-school programming with a social-emotional component, and school- or community-based violence prevention. Other approaches may also be eligible when they clearly support the stated priority. Funding amounts depend on the scope and depth of the proposed work. The average annual award is approximately $40,000, and awards are made within a three-year funding cycle. The amount available in each year of that cycle depends on United Way's Annual Campaign results. A three-year award therefore does not guarantee the same funding amount each year, and annual funding also depends on continued program eligibility, performance, and alignment with community priorities. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations that have operated for at least two years and provide programs for children ages 0 through 8 and their families in Stark County, Carroll County, or both. Organizations that have operated for fewer than two years or do not have tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code are not eligible. Organizations applying through a fiscal sponsor, as part of a collaborative proposal, or for a program operated by more than one organization are instructed to contact United Way before submitting an interest form so that eligibility can be confirmed and the appropriate applicant identified. Both currently funded partners and organizations not funded during the past funding cycle may pursue funding if applicable requirements are met. Organizations that are not currently funded by United Way must complete a required pre-application process before applying. For these organizations, submission of the interest form begins the process but is not the full funding application and does not guarantee an invitation to apply. The interest form opened August 19, 2026 and closes September 21, 2026. The agency review process and a Technical Assistance Webinar are scheduled for September 9, 2026, with agency review interviews beginning September 21. Materials for the agency review are due October 9, interviews end October 23, and agencies invited to apply are scheduled to be notified October 30. Required materials, interview expectations, and document submission instructions will be provided when the pre-application process opens. Current funded partners do not need to submit the public interest form unless instructed to do so by United Way. The agency review evaluates whether an organization is eligible and ready to manage United Way funding. The process assesses organizational health, stability, and capacity, including governance, financial management, strategic planning, and infrastructure. United Way volunteers provide recommendations concerning agency status and organizational strength. The review is part of the funding qualification process and helps determine eligibility for initial and continued funding. For organizations that become funded partners, agency review continues on a biennial schedule every other year. Completing the agency review or attending the meet and greet does not guarantee an invitation to submit a funding application or an eventual award. Eligible funding applications are reviewed by a volunteer-led committee. Review considers alignment with United Way's funding priority, stated goals, proposed activities, and anticipated community impact. The committee develops funding recommendations for United Way's Board of Directors, which makes final funding decisions. The tentative full RFP process is scheduled to open November 2, 2026 and close January 15, 2027. All deadlines are in Eastern Time, and submissions are due by the time displayed in e-CImpact or on the applicable form. Late or incomplete materials will not be considered. No specific award notification date, grant contact name, email address, phone number, matching requirement, or direct PDF solicitation link is provided in the supplied source.

Demonstrate clear alignment with the Strong Start priority and explain how proposed activities lessen or prevent the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences for children ages 0-8 living under the federal poverty level. Clearly connect activities to stated goals, developmental milestones, relationships with caring adults, and community impact. Programs reaching families in neighborhoods with the highest rates of childhood poverty receive priority. Submit the interest form early enough to complete the required agency review, and ensure all required materials are complete and submitted by the applicable Eastern Time deadline.