How to Apply for Funding

All programs and initiatives applying for funding with United Way Kitchener Waterloo & Area must serve our geographic area of Kitchener, Waterloo, Wilmot, Woolwich and/or Wellesley. Programs and initiatives must also demonstrate:

• the need for service
• the capacity to respond to that need
• collaboration to complement existing services
• alignment with the focus areas and outcomes of United Way KW 

Applications are vetted through a sound process involving staff and community volunteers.  All candidates must provide demonstration of need and impact in the focus areas within which United Way KW invests.

 

United Way KW does NOT typically fund:

• arts and culture
• sports and recreation
• capital campaigns
• health-based issues
• environmental projects/organizations
• educational institutions
• direct religious activities of religious groups or organizations

 

Investment Streams

United Way KW has two main investment streams: ongoing annual investments, which include not-for-profit sector supports and community partnerships, and one-time grants. 
  

Ongoing Annual Investments 

Ongoing annual investments from United Way KW provide multi-year commitments to programs and services. These investments are made to support programs and services that contribute significantly to United Way KW’s focus areas and outcomes and meet specific criteria for investment. Currently, United Way KW operates on a three-year community investment cycle. To be eligible for ongoing annual investment, all programs and initiatives must first be accepted through one of the available granting streams.

As part of the ongoing annual investments, not-for-profit sector supports provide ongoing annual operating assistance for agencies that provide support to the sector as a whole and don't neatly fit into any one given focus area.

As well, funding to community initiatives or collaboratives with whom United Way KW partners is included in this investment stream.

For further information about ongoing annual investments, or to inquire about applying for funding, please contact grants@uwaykw.org.

 

Grants 

United Way KW grants offer one-time funding for specific projects and initiatives. 

Community Grants

Congratulations to all the successful Community Grant applicants.  We wish you all the best with your projects and look forward to hearing about the great work you are doing in community.  Grant evaluation forms will be due early November 2013. 

Newcomer Partnership Grants

A partnership between The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation and United Way Kitchener Waterloo & Area, these grants help to build connections between small ethno-cultural associations and mainstream funders.  Grants will be awarded up to a maximum of $3,000 and each association must be sponsored by a registered charitable organization. Staff from both agencies will meet several times with these groups to help develop proposals in a way that meets the needs of all parties involved.  For details on investment criteria and timelines, please click here.

Forever Fund Grants

These funds, generated by the United Way KW endowment fund, have specific criteria for investment and are used to support programs and initiatives focused on seniors at risk, families and children, mental health including socio-emotional supports, and innovation. Grants typically range between $3,000 - $10,000 each.

 

For further eligibility information or to inquire about applying for funding, please contact grants@uwaykw.org.