POWER Grants

The POWER Grants program is administered in connection with Shelby County United Way and is designed to support initiatives that improve the well-being of children and families in Shelby County, Ohio. The program reflects a localized philanthropic effort focused on strengthening community services through targeted, small-scale funding. The grants are positioned as annual opportunities, reinforcing the organization’s ongoing commitment to community development, youth support, and family assistance within a defined geographic area. The administering organizations emphasize collaboration with local nonprofits and public entities to ensure that funded projects align with identified community needs. The primary purpose of the grant program is to provide financial assistance for projects and programs that directly benefit children and families. Funding is intended to either establish new initiatives or sustain existing services that demonstrate measurable community impact. The grants support a broad range of activities, including educational programming, family services, and youth development initiatives, provided they align with the mission of improving outcomes for local residents. The program distinguishes between short-term project-based funding and ongoing operational support, allowing applicants to seek funding that best matches their organizational needs. There are two distinct funding tracks available. Time Limited grants are designed to support short-term initiatives that aim to implement new programs or enhance existing services for a defined period. These grants are particularly suited for pilot programs or targeted interventions. Continuing Community Support grants, on the other hand, are intended for established programs that provide ongoing benefits to children and families. This dual-structure approach allows the funder to balance innovation with sustainability by supporting both emerging and proven service models within the community. Eligibility for the program is restricted to organizations that are either recognized as 501(c)(3) nonprofit entities or are government agencies operating within Shelby County, Ohio. This ensures that all awarded funds remain within the local community and are managed by organizations with established accountability structures. The geographic restriction is strict, requiring both the applicant organization and the beneficiaries of the funded programs to be located within Shelby County. This localized focus underscores the program’s mission to directly impact the immediate community it serves. The application process is straightforward but requires direct engagement with the administering organization. Interested applicants must request an application by contacting the Shelby County United Way office via phone or email. This indicates that the program does not utilize an open online submission portal and instead relies on controlled distribution of application materials. Applicants are expected to complete and submit the required documentation within the specified timeframe, though detailed application components such as narrative questions or budget requirements are not explicitly outlined in the available materials. The application window is clearly defined, opening on April 1 and closing on June 15 each year. This recurring annual cycle allows organizations to anticipate future funding opportunities and plan accordingly. For the current cycle, the deadline is June 15, 2026. While specific award notification timelines and project performance periods are not detailed, the annual nature of the program suggests a consistent review and funding cycle. Applicants are encouraged to reach out directly to the provided contact, Amy West, for additional guidance, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on accessibility and community engagement.