United Way Opens Up Funding
Any tax exempt organization can apply
by United Way of Southwest Wyoming
January 22, 2009
United Way of Southwest Wyoming announced that they are now accepting letters of intent (LOI) for one-year grants for the 2009-2010 funding process. This year’s funding processes will be open to any tax exempt organization that serves residents in Lincoln, Sublette, Sweetwater or Uinta County. For the past several years funding has only been available to previously funded agencies. All organizations wanting to request funding will need to submit a LOI.
"Opening up the funding process is part of United Way’s effort to direct community resources in the areas of the greatest need," said Kathy Tacke, United Way director of community impact.
Interested organizations need to submit a hard-copy, one-page letter of intent (LOI) to United Way of Southwest Wyoming no later than Jan. 30 by 5 p.m.; no faxes or e-mails will be accepted. The letter should explain how the organization’s program(s) align with United Way’s priority areas as outlined in United Way’s Agenda for Change. Specific Agenda for Change goals can be found on United Way’s website, www.swunitedwy.org. Funding will be directed to programs, services, strategies and collaborations that will address short and long-term goals in three specific areas – children and families, safety, and independence.
While the United Way will continue to significantly invest in a wide array of programs and services, funding will primarily be focused on achieving Agenda outcomes. "This new funding system further supports the Agenda for Change, which serves as United Way’s blueprint for creating sustained community change that measurably improves people’s lives," said Tacke.
Investing in children and youth to help them become healthy and productive citizens, developing a safe and healthy community through partnerships, and providing quality services to support independent living are the missions of the Agenda for Change in respect to children and families, safety and independence. Organizations submitting a LOI should state how their program(s) meet at least one of the following program outcomes:
- decrease teen parenthood
- provide additional quality and affordable child care
- before and/or after school educational opportunities
- form partnerships to create available and safe transitional housing
- educate residents on how to be financially stable
- create additional healthcare options for all ages (including prescriptions)
- ensure that residents have adequate access to reliable methods of transportation
- provide a central intake system that directs individuals to the appropriate community program based upon their needs
"We are looking forward to working with any organization that produces long-term changes that align with these goals. The letter of intent process will allow us to gain a better understanding of the types of programs that seek funding, the conditions that exist in various communities, and how those conditions will be addressed to create opportunities for a better tomorrow," said Suzanne Zutter, United Way executive director.
Applicants will be contacted regarding their eligibility status. Organizations that submit a LOI that meets United Way criteria will be asked to submit a request for proposal and will receive their application packet by Feb. 9. A hard-copy of the grant application is then due to the United Way office no later than March 13 by 5 p.m., no faxes or e-mails will be accepted.
For more information about the LOI/Agenda for Change process (including guidelines and application deadlines) contact Kathy Tacke at 307-362-5003, or community@swunitedway.org. Letters of intent can be mailed or delivered to United Way of Southwest Wyoming, 404 N St., Ste. 301, Rock Springs.
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