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 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.
May 1, 2025
Pre-Application Opens— Form and guidance shared with nonprofits. Outreach and promotion begin.
May 30, 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 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.
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.
