NOTE: We are no longer taking applications for 2023 annual grants. Bimonthly microgrant applications will open in May. Check the webpage for details.
2023 Rice County Area United Way Grants
The Rice County Area United Way works with partners to build a healthier community for all people in Rice County. Nonprofit agencies serving the Rice County area are invited to apply for grants through March 22, 2023. You will be notified about your grant request in May. Our funding year is July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Funds are dispersed quarterly rather than in one lump sum, in July, October, January and April.
We fund the most critical human needs in Rice County in three areas: Education, Health and Economic Mobility (aka financial stability and basic needs). We also aim to:
- help level the playing field so all Rice County residents, regardless of income, race, religion, gender or sexual preference, have equal opportunities to better their lives and contribute to others.
- help people take steps toward stability and independence.
Reading Focus Area
This year we have an early childhood reading focus area. In addition to our three grant areas, we are looking to fund programs that help children prepare for kindergarten through reading-readiness and/or increasing the number of children reading at grade level by the end of third grade - two key benchmarks of future success in school and in life.
We will not consider grants for:
- Capital projects
- Endowments
- Individuals
- Organizations that espouse political or religious advocacy as part of their services
- Organizations that engage in significant fundraising activity during one month of the annual United Way Campaign (Oct. 1-31). Certain exceptions may apply.
Funding Amounts
Grants are typically between $1,000+ and $25,000. In addition, our United Way recently established microgrants up to $1,000 for urgent needs and innovative programs. Visit: Microgrant Program | Rice County Area United Way. You do not need to be a 501 C3 to apply for microgrants.
Organizational Grant vs Program Grant
You may apply for an organizational or a program grant through Rice County Area United Way if you serve the Rice County area (see “Service Area” below). Choose an organizational grant if you have multiple programs and require flexibility in your funding.
A program grant is focused on a one particular program within an organization. You may apply for more than one program.
Service Area
- Dennison, 55018
- Dundas, 55019
- Faribault, 55021
- Kilkenny, 56052
- Lonsdale, 55046
- Montgomery, 56069
- Morristown, 55052
- Nerstrand, 55053
- Northfield, 55057
- Warsaw, 5508
- Webster, 55088
Application Checklist
This checklist is designed to assist in your application preparation.
- Section 1: Contact Information completed
- Section 2: General Agency, Program, & Demographic Information completed
- Section 3: Community Investment Questions completed
- Section 4: Attachment Requirements (if not previously submitted)
- Current year agency budget attached as PDF
- Most recent IRS form 990 attached as single PDF
- Most recent agency audited financial statement or review if you have one, attached as PDF
- Board Roster/Meeting schedule attached
Application Instructions
All applicants are required to have or create an account to complete and submit your application. Keep your user name and password handy so that you can "save a draft" and return to complete your submission. Be sure to save your username and password as it will be used for agency reporting and future applications.
- LOGIN HERE (If you already have a username and password)
- CREATE AN ACCOUNT (New users only - an email will be sent to you)
- RESET YOUR PASSWORD (if your email has been used previously, you can reset your password)
- LOGOUT (Be sure to log out once you have saved your draft or submitted your application)
We look forward to receiving your application! Questions? Contact elizabeth@ricecountyunitedway.org.
