Community Investment

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).

Applications for the 2023-2024 investment cycle are closed. 

Download Application Guidelines

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 applications must be completed through our online E-CImpact grant system.
  • Funding is open to requests from $5,000 to $25,0000. 

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:

February  1     

     UWKC Community Investment Grant Application Opens, 8am
February 13    

     UWKC Community Partners Evaluation Training
     2pm
     KABA Training Room 5500 6th Avenue
March 3    

     UWKC Community Investment Grant Application Closes, 5pm
March 4 – May 3    

     UWKC Community Investment Grant Review Process
May 18    

     UWKC Board of Directors' final award approval 
June 1    

     Grant Awards announced Community Investment Grant funds awarded
October-November    

     Community Investment Committee member site visits
January 3    

     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:

  1. Financial and program accountability
  2. Impact on community needs
  3. 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.

For more information on how the Community Investment Committee reviews applications please download the application guidelines.

Education Programs

 

Income Programs

  • Kenosha Human Development Services
  • Racine Vocational Ministry

Health Programs

  • BeLEAF Survivors, Inc.
  • Catholic Charities
  • Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services, Inc. (KAFASI)
  • Kenosha Human Development Services
  • Shalom Center
  • Sharing Center
  • Women and Children’s Horizons
  • YMCA of Kenosha
  • Habitat for Humanity

To learn more about the 2022-23 Community Impact Partners, click here.