Community Funding and Partnership Opportunities
United Way of Northwest Illinois partners with nonprofit organizations that provide essential health and human services in Carroll, Jo Daviess and Stephenson Counties. Our community funding process helps ensure donor contributions support responsible, results-focused programs addressing established local needs.
Funding applications are reviewed using our Community Impact model . This process evaluates community need, program outcomes, organizational capacity and the responsible use of funds.
Fully Participating Partner
An organization becomes a Fully Participating Partner through a formal proposal and review process. Applications are evaluated by community volunteers serving on the Community Impact Committee, which makes program investment recommendations.
The partnership is documented through a Partner Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Participating partners are accountable for their proposed or negotiated outcomes through annual and mid-year reporting.
To learn more about becoming a Fully Participating Partner, call United Way of Northwest Illinois at 815-232-5184.
Donor-Designated Partner
Donor-Designated Partners affiliate with United Way of Northwest Illinois for the purpose of receiving contributions specifically designated to their organizations by donors.
Prospective partners are reviewed by the United Way of Northwest Illinois Board of Directors to confirm that minimum eligibility requirements are met. An approved Donor-Designated Partner must sign a Partner Memorandum of Understanding before funds can be distributed.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered, an organization must:
- Maintain a physical location in, and provide health or human services within, Carroll, Jo Daviess or Stephenson County.
- Be recognized as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) and be properly registered in the State of Illinois.
- Meet the State of Illinois fundraising eligibility requirements applicable to public-sector affiliations.
- Address an established community need in Carroll, Jo Daviess or Stephenson County.
- Demonstrate the capacity to provide services, including a clear mission and evidence of financial, programmatic and management stability.
- Provide services without excluding individuals solely because of their inability to pay.
- When requested, provide documentation from an independent auditor showing that the organization’s financial statements fairly represent its financial position.
If concerns are identified regarding an organization’s financial condition, the organization may be required to provide written documentation describing corrective actions already taken or planned. The United Way of Northwest Illinois Board of Directors retains discretion when applying this requirement.
Community Grant Application Process
Organizations seeking program funding must submit a complete proposal by the deadline announced for the applicable funding cycle. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Following the application deadline, panels of community volunteers review eligible proposals and develop funding recommendations based on community priorities, available resources and the strength of each application.
Contact United Way of Northwest Illinois at 815-232-5184 for current application deadlines and funding-cycle information.
What the Grant Application Includes
The online grant application gives each organization an opportunity to explain its proposed program and demonstrate how it will benefit the community. Applicants may be asked to provide information about:
- The community need the program addresses
- The population and geographic area served
- Program activities and service-delivery plans
- Program budgets and organizational financial information
- Short-term and long-term goals
- Measurable outcomes and evaluation methods
- Organizational and program sustainability
Clear outcome measures are an important part of the review process. They help United Way and its community partners understand whether funded programs are delivering meaningful and measurable results.
Application Evaluation
Eligible grant applications are evaluated by a panel of community volunteers using established, weighted criteria. Evaluation criteria may change between funding cycles to reflect current community needs and priorities.
Funding recommendations consider application scores, available funding and alignment with United Way’s Community Impact priorities. Final funding decisions are subject to approval by the United Way of Northwest Illinois Board of Directors.