Community Investment Grants

The Community Investment Grants program is administered by United Way of Alamance County, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing resources and fostering partnerships that improve the quality of life for residents in Alamance County, North Carolina. Through this program, United Way collects funds from the community and redistributes them to local nonprofit organizations that serve individuals and families in need. Funding decisions are informed by a volunteer review process and ultimately approved by the organization’s Board of Directors. The program emphasizes equity, collaboration, and measurable impact, particularly for populations experiencing financial hardship, including the ALICE population, defined as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed individuals and families. The primary purpose of the grant is to support programs that advance two key focus areas: Youth Opportunity and Financial Security. Youth Opportunity initiatives are intended to help children and young people succeed academically and socially while developing skills for future success. Financial Security initiatives focus on equipping individuals and families with tools such as budgeting, savings strategies, and employment support to achieve long-term economic stability. The program also seeks to address broader community needs that align with United Way’s mission, with priority given to evidence-based programs that demonstrate collaboration with other local nonprofits. Funding is available for programs operating during the 2027 calendar year, with a maximum request amount of ten thousand dollars per organization. Applicants may include staff salary costs as part of their request, and United Way retains the discretion to award funding at levels below the requested amount. The funding period spans from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027. While specific restrictions are not extensively detailed, applicants are expected to propose programs that are responsive to local needs and demonstrate efficient use of funds toward measurable outcomes. Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to organizations that meet several criteria. Applicants must be located in and serve residents of Alamance County, and must be recognized as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, a qualifying government entity, or a faith-based organization. Organizations must have at least three consecutive years of operation and possess at least one full fiscal year of financial records. Additional requirements include maintaining an up-to-date listing with NC 211, demonstrating collaboration with other local nonprofits, and ensuring compliance with United Way reporting and financial standards if previously funded. Programs must also prioritize engagement with underserved and marginalized populations. The application process begins with a mandatory Letter of Intent submission, which serves as a preliminary screening step. Only applicants whose Letters of Intent are approved will be invited to submit a full application. The Letter of Intent must be submitted on agency letterhead and include organizational information, contact details, a description of the proposed program, and the requested funding amount. Applicants are also required to attend at least one virtual grant workshop prior to submission, which provides guidance on eligibility, priorities, and the application process. The timeline for the grant cycle is clearly defined. Letters of Intent are accepted from July 1, 2026 through July 15, 2026. Full applications are due between August 1, 2026 and August 31, 2026. Site visits occur in September, followed by reviewer deliberations in early October. Funding decisions are communicated in early November 2026. The program is structured as an annual funding cycle, indicating that similar opportunities are expected to recur in future years with comparable timelines. For additional information or support, applicants may contact Tara Nager, Community Partnerships Manager, via email at tnager@uwalamance.org or by phone at 336 525 5422. The program also offers scheduled office hours and virtual workshops to assist applicants throughout the process. Overall, the Community Investment Grants program represents a structured, community-driven funding opportunity focused on strengthening local systems and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations in Alamance County.

Prioritize evidence based programs demonstrate collaboration and align clearly with Youth Opportunity or Financial Security goals