United Way of Kenosha County is committed to creating lasting change with measurable improvements for people in need in the Kenosha County area. As a convener, collaborator and catalyst for change, our vision is to create a thriving community where adults and children have access to education, financial stability and good health, which are the building blocks to self-sufficiency and a high quality of life.
As part of that commitment, United Way of Kenosha County invests in high performing organizations that provide programs and services that align with our strategic priorities through a competitive grant process. All funding requests are reviewed annually by a group of community volunteers that make up the Community Investment Committee (CIC).
United Way of Kenosha County Community Investment Priorities
Education
Helping children, youth and adults achieve their potential
Academic Achievement
Community Engagement
UWKC Priority Outcomes:
- Individuals improve academic achievement
- Individuals demonstrate positive engagement at school and in their community.
Income
Promoting financial stability and independence
Employability/Life Skills
Savings and Asset Management
UWKC Priority Outcomes:
- Individuals improve living and employability skills.
- Individuals demonstrate management and acquisition of assets.
Health
Improving people’s health
Healthy Lifestyles
Safe Homes and Communities
UWKC Priority Outcomes:
- Individuals demonstrate skills for healthy living.
- Individuals access health and safety resources.
Who is eligible for funding?
United Way of Kenosha County provides support for programs of nonprofit status, 501(c)3 health or human services organizations that provide services to people residing in Kenosha County. All funding requests are reviewed annually by a group of community volunteers called the Community Investment Committee (CIC).
Funding Guidelines
- Programs must align with at least one of UWKC’s priority areas.
- Grant funding can be used for administrative, staffing and supply expenses required to support the program.
- Organizations may apply for grants to support more than one program.
- Community Investment Grants cannot be used for capital expenditures such as building, plans, construction or renovation.
- Organizations that are awarded grants will be required to submit mid-year reports in January and year-end reports in July on program outcomes achieved.
- All grant application must be completed through our online E-CImpact grant system.
Program Outcomes
United Way of Kenosha County recognizes the importance of collecting and utilizing data to help us in our storytelling efforts and in articulating how the work that you do translates into a valuable return on investment and impact on our community.
Technical Assistance
Technical assistance related to UWKC’s online grant system, E-CImpact can be requested via email at jclaussen@kenoshaunitedway.org or by calling Jevon Claussen at 262-671-2209. We are UWKC appreciate your leadership in creating a stronger community for Kenosha County. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of people in need and create meaningful change.
UWKC Community Investment Funding timeline is:
| March 1 |
UWKC Community Investment Grant Application Opens, 8am |
| TBD |
UWKC Community Partners Evaluation Training |
| April 1 |
UWKC Community Investment Grant Application Closes, 5pm |
| April 4 – May 3 |
UWKC Community Investment Grant Review Process |
| May 18 |
Slate of recommended grant awards approved by UWKC Board of Directors |
| June 1 |
Grant Awards announced Community Investment Grant funds awarded |
| October-November |
Community Investment Committee member site visits |
| January 1 |
Mid-Year Reports Open, 8am |
| January 31 |
Mid-Year Reports Due, 5pm |
| July 1 |
Year-End Report Open, 8am |
| July 31 |
Year-End Reports Due, 5pm |
Competitive Community Investment grant applications are read, evaluated and scored by trained members of UWKC’s Community Investment Committee (CIC). Grant reviewers will take into account the unique assets and needs in our community and evaluate all applications utilize the following three key areas:
- Financial and program accountability
- Impact on community needs
- Collaboration with other organizations
The Community Investment Committee will make final allocation recommendations to UWKC’s Board of Directors who then approve the final decision on grant awards.
Education Programs
- ELCA Outreach Center
- Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha
- Kenosha Achievement Center
- Kenosha Literacy Council
- YMCA of Kenosha
Income Programs
- Kenosha Human Development Services
- Racine Vocational Ministry
Health Programs
- BeLEAF Survivors, Inc.
- Catholic Charities
- Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin
- Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services, Inc. (KAFASI)
- Kenosha Human Development Services
- Shalom Center
- Sharing Center
- Women and Children’s Horizons
- YMCA of Kenosha
To learn more about the 2021-22 Community Impact Partners, click here.