Lakes Area United Way Application for Partner Program Funding, FY 2023-2024

Each year, Lakes Area United Way raises funds from the community and reinvests those funds in local non-profit programs making a positive impact in the health, education, and financial stability of Lakes Area community members. We invite eligible programs to come alongside the United Way in our work as a funded Partner Program for our next fiscal year of 2023-2024.

Successful applicants will meet the following minimum requirements:

• Operate as non-profit charitable: educational, civic, social welfare, or health service organization.
• Operate under written Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, other written documents or statutes that define the applicant’s purposes, membership, management and operation.
• Operate on a non-discriminatory basis in employment, recruitment of volunteers and delivery of services.
• Demonstrate effective program community impact, financial responsibility, and accountability.
• Operate or provide service within Crow Wing, Aitkin, and/or Cass counties in Minnesota.
• Must have been in operation minimum of one year from time of application.
• Certify that Lakes Area United Way funds and donations will be used in compliance with all applicable anti-terrorist financing and asset control laws, statutes and executive orders.
• Funding must provide for services or activities that align with the Lakes Area United Way’s priority areas of education, health, and/or financial stability.

The following basic operating guidelines shall apply:

• Funds shall be used solely for the allocated purpose. Funded activities shall commence in a timely manner. Funds not expended shall be returned to Lakes Area United Way.
• No funds will be given for any purpose that would jeopardize the tax-exempt status of the Lakes Area United Way or the applicant organization.
• All funding applications will be reviewed by a team of community volunteers (Vision Council) who will make a recommendation on proposed funding to the Lakes Area United Ways Board of Directors.
• All funding shall be approved by the Board of Directors of the Lakes Area United Way.
• Organizations will receive written notification of the Board’s decision no later than July 1, 2023.

Expectations of selected Partner Programs:

·       Complete five (5) hours per grant cycle, per program of volunteer time to events, writing donor thank you notes, or any other volunteer need with the Lakes Area United Way.

·       Submit progress reports every 6 months documenting measurable impact made in the community because of United Way grant dollars.

·       Acknowledge Lakes Area United Way in promotional materials, activities, and programs funded with money allocated by United Way.

Submission Requirements:

·       Funding applications are due February 28th to Lakes Area United Way.

• Application forms are available via our website: www.unitedwaynow.org/grants
• Email completed packet in PDF format to: lucy@unitedwaynow.org