Community Impact Grant Guidelines
Community Impact Grants for the 2026 fiscal year will be awarded in the Summer of 2025. Community Impact Grants are available to organizations that serve or operate in Clay, Craighead, Cross, Greene, Jackson, Lawrence, Poinsett, Randolph, and Mississippi counties. For more information or if you have any questions please contact Heather Coats, Executive Director, at heather.coats@local.unitedway.org.
A total distribution amount of $270,000 will be awarded for 2026. If awarded, monthly payments will begin January 15, 2026 and run through December 16, 2026.
Awarded funds will be distributed monthly from January 2026-December 2026.
Timeline
- March 31: Grant Application Open
- April 28: Grant Application Due
- Mid June: Grant Funding Announcements made
Our Focus and Priorities
Successful applicants will present programmatic needs and demonstrate how grant funding would strengthen the work of their agency within United Way's focus areas:
Youth Opportunity - We create pathways for young people to reach their goals, from early childhood education to college and career success. Together, we are helping young people realize their full potential.
Financial Security - We connect people to education, tools, and job training so they have financial freedom and peace of mind. Together, we can create a stronger financial future for every generation.
Healthy Community - We improve access to nutritious food and quality health education and services, so people have the resources they need to lead healthy lives. Together, we can improve health and well-being for all.
Community Resiliency - We help communities prepare for, prevent, and respond to challenges, from crisis support and disaster relief to environmental protection. Together, we can address urgent needs today for a better tomorrow.
In addition, grant applicants must demonstrate how their work identifies and directly impacts one or both of our target populations:
- Individuals and families living in or below the ALICE threshold (visit www.unitedforalice.org/arkansas for more information)
- Those experiencing racial/ethnic disparities
Requirements
All applicants must meet and provide evidence of the following requirements:
- Recognized 501 (c)3 non-profit, tax exempt organization
- Locally based volunteer board that meets at least quarterly and elects officers
- Current audit with copy of management letter and IRS form 990. All documentation must be for the same year (tax year and end date should be the same year end date as the audit) if no audit is conducted, please provide the highest level of externally prepared financial statement with balance sheet.
- Articles of incorporation
- Overall operating budget
- 12 month budget for programmatic funding
- Supplemental information as requested
- Serves clients in Clay, Craighead, Cross, Greene, Jackson, Lawrence, Lawrence, Poinsett, Randolph, and Mississippi counties.