United way funding process

United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley grants is how we invest local dollars in our communities to address specific community-centered issues. Funding decisions are made through an annual competitive application process.  Our grants are invested in high-performing nonprofit organizations that provide programs and services aligned with our four strategic priority areas of Education, Income (Financial Stability), Safety Net, and Health. Awardees help to improve community conditions across our regional footprint in the counties we serve: Calhoun, Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Wood, and Wirt in WV, Athens, and Washington Counties in OH.  

Frequently Asked Questions

When are applications accepted?
Our next Funding Application will open in early 2025.

Who is eligible to apply for a United Way grant?

Expectations and Eligibility Requirements (opens in PDF)

 Why does UWAMOV focus more deeply on specific issues? 

Like most organizations, we are challenged to meet the needs of our constituents and effectively drive change with limited resources. By investing strategically in a streamlined set of priorities that align with our organizational goals and by focusing more deeply on fewer issue areas, we aim to make a more meaningful and measurable impact in the communities we serve. 

Should I still apply if we have not been previously funded or currently funded by UWAMOV?

YES! Current grantees or organizations that received funding in prior years are not given special consideration by the grant review committee.

How does organizational size affect the ability to compete?

It doesn’t. Organizational size is not a factor in evaluating applicants. Funding decisions are based on alignment with UWAMOV’s priorities and the applicant’s ability to demonstrate tangible, measurable results.

 Who reviews the final grant applications?

The application process is overseen by UWAMOV’s Board of Directors and its Community Investment Committee, which encompasses highly-engaged external professionals comprised of corporate, nonprofit, and community representatives.  External reviewers (Citizens Review Panel) are selected from academia and the public and private sectors based upon their experience and knowledge of community need; diversity is also an important factor, as we want to ensure the entire region is represented.

Reviewers are also thoroughly vetted for any conflicts of interest. Throughout the rigorous review process, reviewers utilize an assessment tool to rate applications based on their quality, alignment with United Way’s funding priorities, and ability to demonstrate measurable results in their respective areas of focus.  Reviewers are recruited in all local communities to provide feedback based on applications in that location.

What are UWAMOV’s investment priorities?

Please review our focus areas that align with our investment priorities. 

Have questions or need technical assistance? Please email Stacy DeCicco.