Overview
United Way of Hays & Caldwell Counties (UWHCC) has a bold vision: that everyone in Hays & Caldwell Counties has a hopeful future and the resources for a good life. Partnering with agencies in the community that focus on our goals in the areas of education, income and health – the building blocks for a good life – we will work to create long-lasting changes that inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow.
The UWHCC Community Impact Grant is the process which allows applicants to demonstrate how their project or program will offer the most promise towards achieving the UWHCC Impact Goals. Final approval of the Community Investment Grants will be made by the UWHCC Board of Directors at their August 2024 Board meeting.
Funding
UWHC Community Investment Grants are for one year with the opportunity to extend the funding for a second year pending review of year-end reports at the end of 2025. Grant contracts for funding will begin January 1, 2025.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for funding by United Way of Hays County, agencies must meet ALL of the following criteria:
1. Must be a non-profit agency as defined by the Internal Revenue Service in Title 501(c)[3] of its code or equivalent.
2. Must be run by a volunteer Board of Directors, none of whom receives any remuneration from the agency.
3. Must have been providing services in the Hays and/or Caldwell Counties area for at least two years.
4. Must establish that it is performing a needed service to the community not being provided by any other agency.
5. Must execute agency Agreement with United Way of Hays & Caldwell Counties.
6. Must have measurable goals and agree to undergo periodic program assessment by UWHCC.
7. Must agree to conduct no fundraising activity outside the United Way without approval of United Way as stated in the policy on agency fundraising.
8. Must have a financial support program that demonstrates community acceptance and agency stability.
9. Must agree to lend strength to United Way through support of its campaign and through publicity of its United Way affiliation.
Review Process
The Funds Distribution Committee, a group of community volunteers, oversees the grant application process as follows:
- Non-profit organizations are invited to submit a full Community Investment Grant Application by completing the webform at the bottom of this page.
- Applications are due by 5pm, Friday, July 19, 2024.
- Following submission and review of the Community Investment Grant applications, agencies will be asked to make a presentation about their Community Investment Grant application to the Funds Distribution Committee volunteers. Tentative date is during the week of July 22-26.
- Funds Distribution volunteers will continue their review, evaluation and discussion of the Community Investment Grant applications, and develop a final recommendation for funding to the UWHC Board of Directors.
- UWHC Board of Directors will vote on the final list of Community Investment Grants.
APPLICATION
Please follow the instructions carefully. Our volunteers need clear, concise and complete information to enable them to review your request.
You should download the needed forms for the application from our website prior to beginning your application process. Please then fill out and gather all of your documents prior to starting the webform. You will be able to pause and come back to your application if needed. Uploaded files must be either .doc .docx or .pdf with PDF being preferred.
Documents to be downloaded and completed:
- Application Instructions
- Application Form Sections A-D
- Total Program Budget Worksheet
- Anti-Terrorism Compliance Statement / Non-Discrimination Policy
Additional items you will need to complete your application:
- Agency’s last full year financial statements
- Agency’s budget for current fiscal year
- Complete copy of IRS form 990
- Copy of Audit – should match year of 990
- Human Interest stories to be used for publicity
- Roster of current board members
United Way staff is available to answer technical questions about the application. For help completing the form or for more information call: 512.667.4525 or email: michelle.harper@uwhays.org.
IF ANY PART OF YOUR APPLICATION IS TOO LARGE, PLEASE EMAIL THE DOCUMENT TO michelle.harper@uwhays.org AND UPLOAD A PLACEHOLDER DOCUMENT THAT STATES "DOCUMENT WAS SUBMITTED BY EMAIL" The form will not allow for submission unless all required documents are uploaded.