Grant Application

Graphic image of an open file folder with a piece of paper inside

The 2026 grant application is now open. 

About 2026 Rice County Area United Way Grants

Rice County Area United Way works with partners to meet critical, foundational needs in the areas of financial security and basic needs, healthy community, youth opportunity, and literacy. We give grants to organizations that tackle these issues through programs with measurable outcomes. 

In 2026, Rice County Area United Way grants will be bi-annual, meaning this will be the only grant process until 2028 (with the exception of our microgrants). Key dates:

  • Grant applications are due March 16, 2026. 
  • Our funding will begin July 31, 2026 and continue through June 30, 2028 for two-year grants. 
  • Funds for grants over $5,000/per year will be dispersed quarterly rather than in one lump sum, in July, October, January and April. Grants of $5,000 or less/year will be dispersed in July of each year. Our next grant cycle after the current cycle will be in spring of 2028.
  • Applicants are invited to apply for one- or two-year grants. However, please plan accordingly, as our next grant cycle after the current cycle will be in spring of 2028.

NOTE: Because our grants are dependent on donations, significant changes in donations may impact two-year grant pay-outs. Our intention is to fund grants at the same level in year one as in year two of the cycle. 

Apply for a Grant!

What We Fund

We fund the most critical human needs in Rice County in four areas: financial security and basic needs, healthy community, youth opportunity, and literacy. We typically give grants between $1,000+ and $25,000. We aim to:

  1. 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.
  2. help people take steps toward stability and independence.
  3. offer wrap-around support to address the whole person in collaboration with other nonprofit agencies or other services including government services.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to apply your organization must meet ALL of the following eligibility requirements:

  • Must be a governmental agency or be recognized by the IRS as a tax exempt 501(c)(3)
  • Must be organized under the laws of the State of Minnesota
  • If required, must file an IRS 990
  • Must be directed by an active and responsible governing body whose members have no material conflict of interest and a majority of whom serve without compensation 

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). 

Organizational Grant vs Program Grant

Apply once and choose the most appropriate category for you. 

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 under one organization, and highlight your programs in the application. We would like to see outcomes from the programs your organization offers.

A program grant is focused on a one particular program within an organization. If you have questions, please contact our Executive Director at Laura@ricecountyunitedway.org. 

Service Area

  • Dennison, 55018
  • Dundas, 55019
  • Faribault, 55021
  • Kilkenny, 56052
  • Lonsdale, 55046
  • Montgomery, 56069
  • Morristown, 55052
  • Nerstrand, 55053
  • Northfield, 55057
  • Warsaw, 5508
  • Webster, 55088

Grant Agreement

Prior to receiving a Rice County Area United Way grant, you will be required to sign off on our grant agreement.

Application Instructions

All applicants must complete our online 2026 Grant Application Form. 

Click here to view a pdf of this form so you may plan in advance, as the form doesn't allow you to save or look ahead.

You will need to provide the following attachments as part of your application.

  • 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
  • 3-5 photos that capture your organization and/or program, making sure you have waivers signed for all images

We look forward to receiving your application! Questions? Contact Laura@ricecountyunitedway.org.

Apply for a Grant!