HOW TO APPLY
1. Submit Your Pre-Application Form
The Pre-Application Form serves as your “Intent to Apply.” With a scoring rubric designed to ensure alignment with our priorities and focus areas, this form collects basic information about your organization and the program for which you are seeking funding. After submission, forms are reviewed by trained volunteers and the RVUW Board of Directors. Aligned applicants will be invited to complete the full application.
2. Complete Your Application
Staff support is available during scheduled office hours for questions and clarification.
3. Host a Site Visit
All applicants will host a volunteer panel at their program site or another appropriate location. Site visits typically include a program overview, facilities tour, presentation to volunteers, and a question-and-answer session.
4. Promote United Way’s Fundraising Campaign
All applicant organizations are encouraged to help spread the word about our annual fundraising campaign. Current grantees are required to actively promote both the campaign and their partnership with River Valley United Way. The more support we raise together, the more programs we can fund across our community!
5. Await Award Notification
After application reviews and site visits, funding recommendations are made by volunteers and approved by the RVUW Board of Directors. Thanks to our updated timeline, we’ll announce the total funding needs at our campaign kickoff in late August—giving the community a clear goal to rally around. Final award decisions are made in January, once we know how much was raised. All applicants will be notified whether or not they’ll receive funding, and award amounts will be announced at that time.
