2023 - Community Investment - Request for Proposal

Good health is an essential ingredient for individual success and a thriving community. Healthy kids are more likely to succeed in school. The whole community will flourish when all of our residents have access to public parks, playgrounds, healthy foods and quality healthcare. We are committed to more than short-term charity for a few; we are committed to lasting solutions that build opportunity for all.

Goal: Promoting healthy behaviors, equitable access to quality care, and support for optimal wellbeing in the areas of chemical health, chronic disease management, dental care, environmental health, medical care, mental health, nutritious eating, physical activity, prenatal care, reproductive health, technology solutions and avoidance of risky behaviors.

Funding under this RFP:

• Provides flexible, general operating funds with a requirement for grantees to track outcomes over the grant period.
• Provides an annual grant with an option to renew funding for up to three years based on program outcomes and available funding.
• Provides grant partners the opportunity to share their work and story with a large audience of donors and community members, inform United Way's advocacy agenda, participate in networking, and more.

Volunteer community stakeholders provided insight, input and feedback into the Community Investments funding process. United Way of Goodhue, Wabasha & Pierce Counties would like to extend a special thank you to the Community Investment Advisory Committee that helped develop this Request for Proposal.

Summary: United Way of Goodhue Wabasha & Pierce Counties seeks to award grants to organizations that meet the requirements of this Request for Proposal.

Applicants new to the UW-GWP process should verify that the program applying for funding is eligible for funds by calling the United Way office at 651-388-6309.

United Way of Goodhue Wabasha & Pierce Counties exists to fuel lasting change toward our vision of a community where all people thrive regardless of income, race, or place. Our mission is to improve people's lives by mobilizing the caring power of our communities.

This Request for Proposal (RFP) seeks to fund programs advancing greater racial equity in health access and outcomes through direct services that align with the goals set forth by our board of directors.

Specifically, the RFP will prioritize programs led by organizations that hold a clear vision for a more equitable and just future for those they support. Programs working toward prevention of health inequities may be given funding priority.

• United Way-GWP will provide up to 3 consecutive annual grants for programs working within our service area in our Focus Area of Health. Grant amounts may vary year to year based on available UW-GWP funds.

• Renewal of grants is based on a review of each programs' required year-end report and compliance with the terms of the signed grant agreement. A standard grant agreement will be available on our website with all grant information and forms. Please review agreement form HERE prior to applying for funding. 

• Grants are unrestricted, general operating funds with a requirement for grantees to track outcomes over the grant period. Grant funds may not be used for lobbying and capitol improvements.

• Organizations that are awarded grant funding will report annually on required and grantee-determined outcomes that illustrate impact and progress over time toward UW-GWP goals.

• Grant awards will be no more than 50% of the program's budget.

• Grant awards will be dependent on the total funds available and total number of applicants. In the past funding cycles, the majority of grants awarded ranged from $5000 to $20,000 annually.

• The organization must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations OR a fiscally sponsored group by an organization that is classified as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization a government organization, educational institution or faith-based organization that offers programs or services to the public and do not restrict access to their program based on religious affiliation or require participation in religious activities.

• The organization must be able to demonstrate a commitment to non-discrimination, diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization (employees, volunteers, board of directors, clientele, etc.).

• Organizations required to complete an audit, the most recent audit opinion is not qualified and free of material weaknesses. For any special considerations related to these criteria, please contact us to determine your eligibility.

• Eligible organizations must also comply with Federal anti-terrorism laws.

• Funded programs must provide direct service to people who reside within one or more communities within UW-GWP's assigned zip code service area.

*Note on Financial Review: Your organization must pass review by United Way of GWP's Finance Committee based on a review of your financial documents to receive funding. You will be asked to upload financial documents as part of this application.