Community Impact Grants

OUR GRANT PROCESS

River Valley United Way's Community Impact Grants support nonprofits located in Pope, Johnson, and Yell Counties in Arkansas. 

We provide grants through a competitive proposal process to impactful organizations addressing our community’s interconnected challenges. All grant applications are assessed through a community-led review process in which dedicated volunteers evaluate and identify the local collaborations and approaches that can create a lasting transformation. If this sounds like your work, we encourage you to learn more below.

We aim to clearly communicate each aspect of the Community Investment Application process and, ultimately, to encourage organizations doing outstanding work to apply for funding. 

Our grants are awarded on a two-year cycle. The next application period will begin in the Summer of 2025. Sign up here to stay informed.

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STEPS

Steps to Success Framework

River Valley United Way is looking to fund programs that align with our three Focus Areas of Education, Stability, and Health & Well-Being. The Arkansas River Valley region's problems are immense, and they need comprehensive solutions. United Way is looking for collaborative solutions that can make an impact today and build in the years to come. 

There is no one solution to solve the challenges every individual and household in our community faces. Our framework highlights the greatest ways organizations can comprehensively provide the best next steps for a person’s whole life: from birth to childhood to adulthood and beyond

HOW TO APPLY

Attend a training session - training session attendance is mandatory for all applicants. Organizations must send at least one representative to one training session. Choose the date & time that works best for your organization. You will receive the registration links via email. (This is not an automated email if you saw the confirmation of your submission, then we have it and will be in touch).

Complete your application - The online application will be available to preview in May 2025

Host a site visit - All applicants host a volunteer panel at their site or appropriate program location. This visit typically includes a program overview, facilities tour, presentation to the volunteers, and question and answer session.

Promote United Way! - All applicant organizations are encouraged to promote our annual fundraising campaign. Current grantees are required to promote the annual fundraising campaign and their partnership with RVUW. The only way we can award more grants is to raise more community support!

IMPORTANT DATES

  • June - Grant Workshops. Workshop attendance is required as part of the application process. 
  • July  - Application Available online
  • August  - Application Deadline
  • September & October - Site Visit Period
  • September through December - United Way annual fundraising campaign
  • January 2 - Grant award notifications