FUNDING FOR IMPACT
At River Valley United Way, we're investing in programs that align with our four Impact Areas: Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency.
The challenges facing the Arkansas River Valley are complex and far-reaching. That’s why we’re not looking for quick fixes — we’re looking for collaborative, community-driven solutions that create real impact today and build a stronger foundation for the future.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the issues our neighbors face. But by working together, we can support programs that walk with people through every stage of life — from birth through school, career, and beyond.
Whether you're applying for funding or simply working to make a difference in our region, we invite you to connect with us. Let’s build a stronger, more united River Valley — together.
River Valley United Way’s Community Impact Grants support nonprofits serving Pope, Johnson, and Yell Counties.
Grants are awarded through a competitive process designed to support impactful programs that address our community’s most interconnected challenges. Applications are reviewed by a panel of trained community volunteers who evaluate each proposal, conduct site visits, and recommend funding based on alignment with our four Impact Areas and potential for long-term impact.
Our goal is to clearly communicate every step of the process and encourage strong local organizations, both new and established, to apply. We believe in investing in the people and partnerships already working to strengthen the River Valley.
Community Impact Grants are awarded on a two-year cycle.
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 our Board of Directors. Aligned applicants will be invited to complete the full application.
2. Complete Your Application
Received an invitation to apply? Read over the Application Tips section before getting started.
Organizations succesfully submitting the pre-application will be notified of your Pre-Application status on or before June 5, 2025. If invited to apply, you will need to complete and submit the full application during the application window, which is June 6 to July 7, 2025. 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 on September 1, 2025—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.
May 1, 2025
Pre-Application Opens— Form and guidance shared with nonprofits. Outreach and promotion begin.
May 31, 2025
Pre-Application Deadline— Submissions due by 11:59 PM. Internal review begins.
June 5, 2025
Notification to Apply—Eligible organizations invited to submit full applications. Brief feedback is offered to those not selected.
June 6 – July 7, 2025
Full Application Window— Application portal open. Optional applicant support available.
July 14 - August 15, 2025
Site Visits—Reviewers conduct site visits with all applicants to ask questions and better understand each program.
August 16–22, 2025
Final Review & Funding Recommendations—Reviewers finalize scoring. Staff compiles total recommended funding needs.
Late August 2025
Campaign Kickoff & Community Announcement—RVUW announces total amount needed to fully fund volunteers’ funding recommendations. Fundraising campaign begins (runs through December 31, 2025).
Late August 2025
Applicant Status Notification—All applicants notified whether or not they will receive a grant (no dollar
amounts yet). Final awards dependent on campaign results.
January 2026
Award Amount Notification & Agreements—After pledge totals are known, final award amounts confirmed. Grant agreements and reporting timelines sent to recipients.
FAQ
Got questions about our Community Impact Grants? You're in the right place. Below, you'll find quick answers to some of the most common questions about eligibility, timelines, and what to expect during the process.
Still stuck? Reach out, we’re happy to help.
Do I need to create an account to submit the pre-application?
Creating an account is not required, but very helpful to you for ease of saving as you go, editing drafts, and more. Click here to create an account or to access your account.
Can I access previous applications submitted by my organization?
Due to the change in the application system, you cannot access prior applications.
Can I download a blank pre-application to share with my team?
Yes. Just click here or head to the "Documents" section.
Can I download a blank application to share with my team?
Yes. A blank application will be available for preview in the documents section on 05/27
How much funding can we request?
There’s no strict cap for current grantees, but please keep your request reasonable and sustainable. Awards vary based on community needs, available funds, and reviewer recommendations.
New organizations (those not funded in 2025) are limited to a request amount of $10,000 or less.
When will we find out how much we’re awarded?
Final award amounts are shared in January, once the fall fundraising campaign is complete and pledge totals are confirmed.
Is there an average grant award amount?
No. We don’t publish an average or standard award amount. That’s because funding decisions are based on several factors, including community needs, total dollars available, and how well each program aligns with our priorities.
Some programs may receive smaller grants, while others may receive more—it's all about impact and sustainability. We encourage you to request the amount truly needed to deliver your program well, and to explain your reasoning clearly in the budget section.
Below you’ll find helpful documents, templates, and reference materials to support your application. We recommend reviewing these before starting your full application—especially if this is your first time applying.
Documents
Pre-Application Scoring Rubric
Full Application - available soon
Memorandum of Understanding - available soon
EFT Authorization - available soon
References
Available soon
Become a Community Investment Volunteer!
Help determine how United Way Dollars are invested! On an annual basis, United Way provides funding to local programs that have proven their effectiveness. Through a process we call Community Investment, donor volunteers lead the review of funding requests, program outcomes, financial data, and past performance. The volunteer review takes place from May to August. Volunteer meetings typically take place during business hours. The total volunteer time commitment, including training, site visits, reading proposals, and allocating dollars, is approximately 15-25 hours.