Fund Description
The Special Opportunity Fund supports innovative and responsive opportunities that advance United Way's Community Impact Agenda and help our community thrive.
Through strategic investments and emerging opportunities, this fund supports initiatives that promote healthy communities, expand pathways to opportunity for children and youth and strengthen families and communities through financial stability.
We anticipate the majority of requests will propose enhancements to existing programs, rather than the creation of new efforts.
Application Process and Fund Timeline
Applications are currently closed. Please check back.
The minimum amount for Essential Support Fund requests is $5,000. The maximum amount for requests is $20,000. Organizations may be granted a maximum or one Essential Support Fund.
Essential Support Funding is available until the available dollars are exhausted.
Requests submitted on or before the last day of the month will be reviewed by United Way's community investment committee (CIC) the following month. Notification of funding will be issued by the end of the month of review.
You can see the full application and reporting requirements by downloading the fund information, including application questions, as a Word doc or PDF. Questions can be directed to Special Projects Director Katie Tuttle via email at ktuttle@unitedwayracine.org or by calling (262) 664-4722.
Budget Requirements
Following submission of the online application form, the individual listed as the Primary Contact on the application will receive an auto-generated confirmation email. The Primary Contact must immediately respond to that email with the following attachments:
- Proof of IRS determination of 501(c)3 status
- Completed United Way of Racine County Essential Support Fund Budget Template
Failure to submit the required attachments will render the application ineligible for review. All budget requests must be in whole dollar amounts.
The UWRC Essential Support Fund Budget Template can be downloaded by clicking the button below.
Reporting Requirements
All grantees are required to submit a final report within one year of funding notification or within 60 days of completion of the project/program, whichever comes first.. Additional progress reporting requirements will be established in the funding agreement. Late and/or incomplete reports will negatively impact the organization’s eligibility for future United Way of Racine County funding. Information included in this report will be shared with United Way staff, board and community investment volunteers, and may also be included in United Way reports, media and publications. In addition, grantees are expected to provide periodic ad-hoc updates via email as requested to ensure ongoing communication and progress monitoring.