Current Funded Partners
Our funded partners were selected through a community-led review process. Dedicated volunteers evaluated and identified the local collaborations and approaches that will create a lasting impact. We’re proud to support the following nonprofits through the 2023 – 2024 grant cycle.
Application Guidelines
Thank you for your interest in our community investments grant process. Applications for the 2023 – 2024 cycle have closed. We encourage all local nonprofits in Hamilton, Sequatchie, Marion, Walker, Dade, and Catoosa counties to view the full guide for the application process and requirements.
Get Started Today
Together, we can address our community’s interconnected challenges by supporting impactful organizations across our core focus areas of education, stability, and health & well-being.
Volunteer to Drive Investment
You play a critical role in our inclusive funding process. Volunteers representing our 6-county region judge, score, and recommend how much money is invested in the organizations and programs we fund. Join us!
→ Volunteer Advocate
Using your unique community perspective, provide an impartial and objective review for all applications.
→ Committee Member
Make final funding recommendations based on reviews and scoring from volunteer advocates.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2023 – 2024 cycle have closed, but the following resources will better prepare you to apply for funding during the next cycle. We encourage you to learn more and reach out with any questions.
→ Sample Applications
View sample applications for our three grant types.
→ Steps to Success Model
Our funding process is driven by the Steps to Success model, which illustrates 9 key milestones organizations can comprehensively provide from birth to childhood to adulthood and beyond.
→ Partnership Promise
We pledge to commit to a posture of partnership and spirit of collaboration with our community partners. View our full partnership promise.
Contact Us
For additional questions, please email our Community Investments team at impact@uwchatt.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the available funds to apply for within UWGC’s Community Investment Funds?
1. Impact Fund: Investing in local nonprofits through competitive grants for collaborative and transformational work to find solutions to systemic issues in our community.
2. Catalyst Fund: Accelerating impact by investing in nonprofit capacity and innovative solutions.
When will the Requests for Proposals for Community Investment Grants be released?
United Way of Greater Chattanooga will release the 2023-2024 Community Investment RFP & application on January 23rd, 2023.
What are the steps for applying?
There are three application steps:
1. Eligibility Survey
2. Pre-Application
3. Full Application – Impact and/or Catalyst Funds
Is my organization eligible to apply for grant funding?
At the most basic level, eligible agencies must be able to provide:
The applicant must meet the IRS standards for nonprofit status 501(c)(3), faith-based organization, or governmental entity.
The organization must be chartered prior to January 1, 2020.
The program must provide services in 1 or more of the 6-county service regions: Hamilton, Marion, Sequatchie Counties in Tennessee or Walker, Dade, Catoosa Counties in Georgia.
Additional requirements will be described in the released Application Guidelines on our website.
Does my organization align with UWGC’s Community Investment Focus Areas?
UWGC prioritizes investing in data-driven efforts that deliver the highest return on investment as measured by education, stability, and health & well-being outcomes within the Steps to Success framework.
How often can my organization apply for grant funding through United Way of Greater Chattanooga?
UWGC follows an annual grant funding cycle. New applications open each January for the following fiscal year: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024
How much money was invested in the most recent Community Investment cycle?
United Way of Greater Chattanooga Announces $4.4 million in Community Investments for Most Recent Funding Cycle – read more here.
How does UWGC’s fundraising and grantmaking work together?
A core part of United Way’s work is fundraising and distributing resources back into the community to create positive change. Read more here.
If I still have questions, how can I learn more?
Any organization is invited to join our UWGC Community Investment team every Tuesday and Thursday from 11am – 12pm EST. To sign up, go to the Community Investments page and scroll to Office Hours. The link will be waiting for you there! If at any time in between office hours you would like to get in contact with our team, feel free to contact us at impact@uwchatt.org and we can set up a time to answer your specific questions.