United Way of the Midlands Grants for Omaha Human Services

United Way of the Midlands Grants for Omaha Human Services is sponsored by United Way of the Midlands. United Way of the Midlands offers program support for crisis response, health and well-being, youth and family engagement, or economic mobility to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving economically vulnerable residents in the Omaha metro area.

FOR NONPROFITS - United Way of the Midlands UWM is now accepting letters of intent for the community impact fund learn more about the application process here In support of our mission United Way of the Midlands’ (UWM) is proud to invest in the work happening across the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area with a focus on addressing social and economic disparities. UWM is able to do this through a variety of funding streams.

All of these funds utilize a committee review process, with reviewers ranging from subject matter experts to active citizen volunteers seeking to direct dollars where they are needed most. Our process embeds equity by looking at community served, leadership being reflective of the community, community voice and more.

Through our reporting process we ensure that we are addressing economic and social disparity in our community, and that programs are reflective, engaged and responsive to the communities they serve. United way of the midlands unites our community's caring spirit to build a stronger tomorrow. United Way Partnership at a Glance United Way of the Midlands is committed to a genuine funding partnership.

When you partner with us you can expect: Ongoing communication and feedback Flexible program-level funding that you can leverage as a match for other donors Opportunities to collaborate and build relationships as part of a network of impactful organizations Visibility within the broader community, and corporate sector A shared commitment to accountability to our donors and community Our volunteer review process ensures the community has the loudest and strongest voice in determining how to direct dollars for the greatest impact.

A grant from the Community Impact Fund represents an endorsement in your work from the community. program eligibility criteria: UWM requires organizations to submit an application for each unique, clearly delineated program for which they are seeking support. UWM does not fund organizations, we provide grants to programs.

Below are minimum requirements. Have 501c3 (not-for-profit) status, or a 501c3 fiscal sponsor Programming primarily serves economically vulnerable populations Programming primarily serves the Omaha Metropolitan area. Programming focused on one of our four funding areas: Community Resiliency, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Communities.

UWM investment request cannot exceed 50% of the total program budget. Commitment and ability to report required client-level demographics are results based accountability metrics for each funded program. UWM is prepared for a record volume of applications and expects a highly competitive review process with requests far outpacing the amount available to invest.

The UWM Community Investments team is here as a resource to discuss program eligibility at any time and is available at communityinvestments@uwmidlands. org Frequently asked questions With deep local roots in community service, United Way of the Midlands has served the Omaha-Council Bluff community for over 95 years.

Working on behalf of thousands of donors, UWM’s focus is to serve those living in poverty – helping our most vulnerable neighbors stand strong and work toward independence. We invest in programs that demonstrate national, evidence-based best practices in the following areas: WHAT PROGRAMS DOES UNITED WAY FUND? United Way of the Midlands helps the most vulnerable members of our community – individuals living in or at-risk of poverty.

In our metro, there are more than 100,000 people living in poverty. For a family of four, this means they are living on less than $25,000 annually. Programs funded through UWM investments are selected through our volunteer review process.

During the volunteer review process, community volunteers review funding proposals submitted by local nonprofit agencies. The volunteers evaluate each proposal based on a number of criteria, including the program’s ability to demonstrate measurable impact, drive efficiencies, establish collaborations and more. WHEN CAN I SUBMIT A LETTER OF INTENT?

To view an updated timeline for each fund, please visit the individual investment pages below: Stable Family Partnerships Emergency Food and Shelter Program and State Set Aside Omaha Federation of Labor (AFL-CIO) Blue Collar Boxing Event Combined Health Agencies Drive HOW IS UWM EMBEDDING EQUITY IN THE PROCESS?

Our process embeds equity by looking at community served, leadership being reflective of the community, community voice and more. Application questions are designed to ensure we address economic and social disparity in our community, and that programs are reflective, engaged and responsive to the communities they serve.

Further, the funding process is open and accessible to nonprofits of all sizes and capacity – ensuring UWM funds the best of the best. We also provide assistance through 1:1 and group sessions, as well as an application guide to assist programs in presenting their most compelling case for funding. CAN I MEET WITH A UWM STAFF MEMBER?

If you would like to meet with a UWM staff member, please email communityinvestments@uwmidlands. org HOW WILL I KNOW IF I CAN SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR FUNDING? All programs that have been deemed eligible have been invited to apply, applications are now closed at this time for the 2024-2026 investment cycle.

WHEN CAN I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION FOR FUNDING? Please review the timeline for the fund you intend to apply for at the links below: Stable Family Partnerships Emergency Food and Shelter Program and State Set Aside Omaha Federation of Labor (AFL-CIO) Blue Collar Boxing Event Combined Health Agencies Drive WHEN WILL I BE INFORMED AS TO WHETHER OR NOT MY PROGRAM RECEIVES FUNDING?

When funding decisions have been made, the primary contact that was listed in your profile will receive a phone call from a UWM staff member with a funding decision.

To view when funding announcements will be made for the fund you applied for, please visit the individual pages below: Stable Family Partnerships Emergency Food and Shelter Program and State Set Aside Omaha Federation of Labor (AFL-CIO) Blue Collar Boxing Event Combined Health Agencies Drive WHAT IS THE FUNDING TIMEFRAME?

To view the funding cycle for each fund, please visit the individual pages below: Stable Family Partnerships Emergency Food and Shelter Program and State Set Aside Omaha Federation of Labor (AFL-CIO) Blue Collar Boxing Event Combined Health Agencies Drive WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? You may reach out to the UWM Community Investment Team at communityinvestment@uwmidlands. org.

How to submit a letter of intent Click here to set up a profile. The system will prompt you to complete a Letter of Intent. Eligible applicants will be contacted for a Due Diligence meeting with UWM Community Investment staff in November, 2023.

GET STARTED: CREATE YOUR AGENCY PROFILE HERE LOI Preparation Meetings September 25th at 9:00am and September 28th at 2:00pm. Email communityinvestment@uwmidlands. org to receive an invitation to a virtual preparation meeting.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact us at communityinvestment@uwmidlands. org . We look forward to receiving your proposals and working together to address social and economic disparities across the metro.

Resources for funded partners As a partner and funder, United Way of the Midlands provides our currently funded agencies with necessary resources and tools to aid in your ongoing success. If you have questions that relate specifically to your programming, please reach out to your staff liaison or email communityinvestment@uwmidlands. org .

UWM Partner Summit – August 19, 2025 and August 27, 2025 Campaign Kickoff – August 28th, 2025 Annual Meeting – October 27th, 2025 Agency Luncheon – December 4th, 2025 Get Connected volunteer platform 2024 - 2026 Reporting deadlines: Year One Initial Reporting-due August 9th 2024 by 5:00 pm CST Year One Mid-Year Reporting – due February 7th 2025 by 5:00 pm CST Year One Annual Reporting AND Year Two Initial Reporting due July 31st 2025 by 5:00 pm CST Year Two Mid-Year Reporting-due February 6th 2026 by 5:00 pm CST Year Two Annual Reporting-due July 31st 2026 by 5:00 pm CST *Refer to your grant agreement to determine whether is this required for your organization Funding press release template: The United Way brandmark is a registered trademark.

Use only the colors shown on this page; do not imprint the United Way logo in other colors. “United Way of the Midlands” should always appear with the brandmark, in the exact position and typeface shown. At all times the logo must be clearly visible.

Do not print words or images over the logo, screen the logo to use as a background, or render it as a transparent or watermarked image. Please note: To download UWM logos, you’ll need to create a free account with Hightail. Contact our Marketing team at marketing@uwmidlands.

org for vector files. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion We are excited to announce that we are launching our new Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Fund at the end of March through EC-Impact.

UWM’s DEI Fund will address racial, social and economic disparities in our community through programming investments that helps historically and/or systemically marginalized populations sustain living wage jobs and build multi-generational financial stability. Eligible agencies will be those whose leadership, staff, client population and program delivery methods reflect diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Details of the fund are still being finalized but you can contact Justin Tyree, Director, Community Impact – DEI, at jtyree@uwmidlands. org with any questions.

As a convener, collaborator and catalyst for change, our vision is to create a thriving community where adults and children have access to safety net supports, education, financial stability and good health, which are the building blocks to economic stability and a high quality of life.

As part of that commitment, UWM invests in high performing non-profit organizations that provide programs and services that align with our 2022-2024 Goals.

Our collaborative services will result in approximately 8 million services over a 2 year investment period: Funding will be provided to expand and enhance existing programs in the areas below: This includes, but is not limited to, food distribution, meal services, pantry and pantry services, and backpack programs, etc. Programs that provide access to a coordinated and integrated system of supports to remove barriers.

Including, but not limited to, navigation and case management, material resources, legal, disaster, etc. Access to immediate safe shelter. Transitional housing options and other support services for individuals and families to prevent homelessness. Financial literacy, awareness and knowledge about asset building/protection, and independent living preparedness.

Increase knowledge and skills of healthy parenting and childhood development. Increase knowledge, skills, or assets to promote health and nutrition, and prevent disease and diet-related illness or asthma. Access to high-quality physical and dental healthcare services across the lifespan.

Access to high-quality behavioral and mental health counseling services for all ages. *This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP0230 awarded to the City of Omaha by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. For more information about the City of Omaha ARPA Community Grant Program, you can read the press release at https://www.

cityofomaha. org/american-rescue-plan-act . With deep local roots in community service, United Way of the Midlands has served the Omaha-Council Bluff community for over 95 years.

Working on behalf of thousands of donors, UWM’s focus is to serve those living in poverty – helping our most vulnerable neighbors stand strong and work toward independence. We invest in programs that demonstrate national, evidence-based best practices in the following areas: Please click here to review funding areas, priorities and required metrics. WHAT PROGRAMS DOES UNITED WAY FUND?

United Way of the Midlands helps the most vulnerable members of our community – individuals living in or at-risk of poverty. In our metro, there are more than 100,000 people living in poverty. For a family of four, this means they are living on less than $25,000 annually.

Programs funded through the Community Care Fund are selected through our Community Investment Review Team (CIRT) Process. This effort is facilitated by UWM’s Community Investment team of subject matter experts, along with our Analytics and Programs team. During the CIRT process, community volunteers review funding proposals submitted by local nonprofit agencies.

The volunteers evaluate each proposal based on a number of criteria, including the program’s ability to demonstrate measurable impact, drive efficiencies, establish collaborations and more. Their discernment resulted in a 2022-2024 investment portfolio that maintains a broad community-wide view and recognizes that challenges are interconnected. Community Care Fund – United Way of the Midlands (unitedwaymidlands.

org) Community Investment Review Team – United Way of the Midlands (unitedwaymidlands. org) Where does United Way make an impact? United Way of the Midlands-funded programs operate in Douglas, Sarpy or Pottawattamie counties.

This means donor dollars stay right here in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro, helping our neighbors fulfill their needs and lead healthy, independent lives. Our 2-1-1 Helpline impacts the whole state of Nebraska and eight counties in southwest Iowa. How long has United Way been in Omaha?

Originally called the Omaha Community Chest, the first campaign was held in 1923. Over the years, our name has changed but we have continued to work alongside the Omaha-Council Bluffs community to ensure our most vulnerable neighbors have services available to help in times of need. How does United Way help?

United Way of the Midlands brings individuals, businesses, nonprofits and government agencies together to strengthen our community. We identify community needs, service gaps and opportunities to improve life in our region. We inspire individuals and organizations to give their time and financial resources to support these needs.

We convene organizations with related programs to facilitate collaboration and information sharing – ultimately strengthening the network of services available to community members. We invest in the metro’s strongest health and human service programs. We require funded programs to demonstrate quantifiable results so we can evaluate and share our progress with you.

What programs does United Way fund? Programs funded through the Community Care Fund are selected through our Community Investment Review Team (CIRT) Process. This effort is facilitated by UWM’s community impact team of subject matter experts, along with our analytics and performance team.

During the CIRT process, community volunteers review funding proposals submitted by local nonprofit agencies. The volunteers evaluate each proposal based on a number of criteria, including the program’s ability to demonstrate measurable impact, drive efficiencies, establish collaborations and more.

Their discernment resulted in a 2018-2020 investment portfolio that maintains a broad community-wide view and recognizes that challenges are interconnected. View our investments here What makes United Way unique? As a community-wide organization, United Way of the Midlands leverages its unique attributes to serve as a funder, educator, data aggregator, innovator and convener.

One person, on their own, may not have much reach. But when we put our efforts together, and leverage the volunteer resources and experienced know-how of the United Way, thousands of lives are changed for the better. The United Way makes sure donors’ dollars are invested wisely, for maximum impact, with clear, measurable goals in more than 110 programs across the community.

How is United Way of the Midlands connected to other United Ways? United Ways across the country are locally-governed by a Board of Directors in their service areas and set their own policies. Because United Way organizations have a community-wide perspective, United Way of the Midlands connects with United Way organizations around the country to share learnings, experiences and insights.

United Way Worldwide (UWW) often facilitates information sharing and aggregates data from the network of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways around the world. UWW is an international service association created to serve independent, local United Ways by providing necessary services such as training for staff and volunteers, national publicity, campaign materials and program and service data.

UWW does not set policy for UWM or any of the other locally-governed United Ways across the country. Donors can make online gifts by clicking here or simply texting THATKINDOFTOWN to 41444. Many donors also give through a workplace campaign.

You can also mail a check or stop by and see us at our office at 2201 Farnam St. , Ste. 200, Omaha, NE, 68102.

Please call 402-342-8232 or email support@uwmidlands. org if you have questions. I want to cancel my donation.

Please email our team at communitystrong@uwmidlands. org to cancel, void or refund a donation. If you donate through our online donation form or through a text-to-give campaign, you can visit https://www.

mobilecause. com/constituent-terms-new/ to learn more about terms, how to opt out, get help or learn more about your donation. How can I start a campaign in my workplace?

We’re happy to help you start a workplace campaign! There are many ways you can share your enthusiasm for United Way and promote philanthropic giving in your workplace. For more information, please contact Greg Vassios, Senior Vice President, Corporate and Donor Relations at gvassios@uwmidlands.

org Can I have an electronic campaign at my company? Yes, United Way of the Midlands operates local and national campaigns on electronic pledging systems. For more information on electronic campaigns, contact Greg Vassios, Senior Vice President, Corporate and Donor Relations at gvassios@uwmidlands.

org What is leadership giving? United Way of the Midlands’ leadership giving programs recognize local donors who have given $1,000 per year or more. The Bridgebuilder Society recognizes donors with yearly gifts of $1,000 – $9,999 and the Tocqueville Society recognizes yearly gifts of $10,000 or more.

UWM is proud to recognize approximately 2,000 Bridgebuilder Society members and more than 250 Tocqueville Society members each year. Yes, United Way of the Midlands donors can designate to a local human and health services agency of their choice, even if the agency is not funded through UWM’s Community Care Fund.

When a donor designates a gift to a specific UWM-funded agency, those dollars will be distributed and reported separately from the amount allocated annually through the CCF.

Click here to read the Designation Guidelines You can also designate your gift to a specific giving area or one of our initiatives: Basic Needs , Education , Financial Stability , Book Trust , Opportunity Youth or the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading Does United Way have a foundation? No, United Way of the Midlands does not currently have a foundation.

In 2003, the UWM Foundation was formed to build long-term support for the organization’s ongoing human service mission. In 2017, after careful consideration, the UWM Board voted to formally dissolve the UWM Foundation Board.

The UWM Board agreed that the primary focus of the foundation had been to encourage current Tocqueville Society members to convert their contributions into Endowed Tocqueville Society gifts, and they felt a Tocqueville Endowment Committee could better carry out this mission. Is United Way efficient with the money? If you’re in need of assistance, call the 2-1-1 Helpline or text your zip code to 898211 .

2-1-1 Information and Referral Specialists have the community’s most extensive human service database at their fingertips. They can connect you directly to food pantries, counseling, utility assistance or other health and human services in our community. 2-1-1 is available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The call is free and confidential. How are United Way and 2-1-1 connected? United Way of the Midlands operates the 2-1-1 Helpline call center, which provides information and referral services to the full state of Nebraska and eight counties in Iowa (Pottawattamie, Harrison, Mills, Shelby, Cass, Montgomery, Fremont and Page).

UWM works alongside the Nebraska 2-1-1 Coalition to ensure this service is available to all Nebraskans. The coalition includes the State of Nebraska, the Nebraska Public Service Commission, Nebraska’s United Way organizations, University of Nebraska’s Public Policy Center, regional and county health departments and others. How can I volunteer with United Way?

United Way of the Midlands works with local nonprofits to identify meaningful volunteer opportunities for a variety of interests and time commitments. Projects range from a one-time hourly project, such as painting a house or clerical work, to a continuous commitment, such as mentoring or tutoring.

Click here to browse all available volunteer opportunities Day of Caring is an annual day of volunteerism, pairing hundreds of volunteers with dozens of project in the Omaha metro area. This special day of service was created in 2001 to promote the spirit and value of volunteerism in the Douglas, Sarpy and Pottawattamie County area. Click here for more information on Day of Caring Yes!

You can follow United Way on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram. Facebook: https://www. facebook.

com/UnitedWayMidlands/ Instagram: https://www. instagram. com/unitedwaymidlands/ Linkedin: https://www.

linkedin. com/company/united-way-of-the-midlands Twitter: https://twitter. com/unitedwayomaha I have more questions .

. . If you have more questions, email communitystrong@uwmidlands.

org or call our main number at 402. 342. 8232 to be connected to a staff member who can provide an answer.

United Way of the Midlands is not accepting applications for traditional funding at this time. A limited amount of funds has been identified for project-specific grants to fund initiatives/projects that meet unmet needs in the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metro. Grants will be offered by application only for projects that do not receive current funding from UWM.

Applications for funding cannot exceed $10,000 in requests. If interested, please reach out to the United Way of the Midlands Community Investments Team at communityinvestment@uwmidlands. org to be provided with an application.

Our next multi-year funding cycle will begin in 2025 for funding starting in 2026. Please reach out to our investment team at communityinvestments@uwmidlands. org with any questions.