United Way of Berks County has announced LIVE UNITED Grant opportunities to invest in local 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing health and human service programs within Berks County. LIVE UNITED Grants are designed to support grassroots, collaborative projects working to find innovative solutions for challenges in our neighborhoods and community.
LIVE UNITED Grants are small one-time grants, up to $5,000, provided to any nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, or community organization utilizing a fiscal agent, with a yearly budget below $250,000 and working on “great ideas” and creative projects that bring people together to help improve the quality of life for Berks County residents.
Proposals may include one-time or ongoing events/projects that present the opportunity to make a big difference in one of the identified target areas using a small amount of funds.
Project ideas and goals must address one of the issue areas within the four focus areas identified by United Way of Berks County and members of our community as the building blocks necessary in creating a thriving community for people to live, work, and raise their families.
Education: Helping Children and Youth Reach Their Potential: Early Care and School Readiness, Literacy, School Success, Youth Development, Education Case Management.
Financial Stability: Promoting Self-Sufficiency and Independence: Affordable Housing, Employment/Job Skills, Personal Financial Management
Financial Stability Case Management Health: Improving People’s Health: Mental Health, Health and Wellness, Self-Sufficiency and Independent Living, Health Case Management.
Safety Net Services: Helping Vulnerable Populations Meet Basic Needs: Basic Needs, Safety Net Case Management.
These grants can be used for events or projects connecting people to one another through volunteer work or community building efforts; for efforts providing positive social interaction resulting in improved neighborhoods/communities; and events or projects uniting communities, along with celebrating diversity. LIVE UNITED Grants cannot be used for individual assistance, deficits/debt reductions, for fundraising, religious or political events, or for attendance at conferences/workshops.
Applicants should review the full detail regarding all grant eligibility requirements, as well as the application format, at www.uwberks.org. Grant proposals will be awarded through a competitive process after review by a panel of community volunteers, with approval by the organization’s Board of Directors.
Applications must be submitted through the e-CImpact software system, available through United Way of Berks County’s website at www.uwberks.org.
Beginning July 27, interested organizations should submit their applications through the end of day, Friday, August 26, 2022. Applicants will receive notice of funding by early October, with the funding cycle beginning on November 1, 2022 and continuing through October 31, 2023. Successful organizations are required to complete a report and provide results and related detail.
For technical assistance support with e-CImpact, contact Jen Tinsman at 610-685-4576 or jennifert@uwberks.org. For any other grant-related questions or assistance, contact Kristin Gehris at 610-685-4567 or kristing@uwberks.org.
