Current Funding Process

The United Way of Metropolitan Chicago is currently reviewing programs that meet the goals of our Financial Stability impact plan. This process is now closed.

Funding Application Process: Stage One (Request for Information)

The RFI online submission due date was August 8th at 5:00pm and access to the online RFI process is now closed.  Programs that submitted RFIs must be invited to advance to the Application Stage (Stage Two).

Funding Application Process: Stage Two (Application)

Programs that advanced to Stage Two in the Financial Stability application process were notified the week of October 6, 2008. Instructions to access the online application were included in this communication. Please contact your local United Way if there are questions about the advancement of your program.

Applications must be submitted online by Monday, November 3 at 5pm. Applications will be submitted electronically on CTK (link below).

Application Technical Assistance Workshops:

Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one of the following workshops. You will be held responsible for the materials and information disseminated at the workshops whether or not you were present. You must RSVP to Gricelda Casimiro at communityimpact@uw-mc.org to reserve a space. Chicago attendants are asked to limit their agency’s participation to one staff person due to capacity restraints.

Monday, 10/13
Time: 1:00- 3:00 pm
Location: Metropolitan Family Services, Wheaton
Address: 222 E. Willow Avenue, Wheaton, IL  60187

Tuesday, 10/14
Time: 9:00- 11:00 am
Location: Girl Scouts, Country Club Hills
Address: 5100 Sunset Lane, Country Club Hills, IL 60478

Tuesday, 10/14
Time: 3:00- 5:00 pm
Location: United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, 1 A/B
Address: 560 W. Lake, Chicago, IL 60661

Wednesday, 10/15
Time: 1:00- 3:00 pm
Location: Frisbee Center
Address: 52 Northwest Highway, Des Plaines, IL

Thursday, 10/16
Time: 9:00-11:00 am
Location: United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, 1 A/B
Address: 560 W. Lake, Chicago, IL 60661

Apply for Program Funding

Please note that to apply for Financial Stability funding, programs must have filled out a Request for Information (RFI) and subsequently received an invitation to apply. The deadline for the RFI was August 8, 2008. No applications will be accepted without a completed RFI and invitation to Stage Two.

To apply for funds in future allocation cycles, contact Tom Galassini, Director of Agency Relations at tgalassini(at)uw-mc.org or call his direct line: 312-906-2360.

Key Documents

Financial Stability Impact Area Funding Process Documents
1) Financial Stability Investment Plan

Funded Agencies Miscellaneous Documents
1) ACH Agreement Form
2) Anti-Terrorism Compliance Form
3) Agency Manual

Important Links

Use this link to access United Way's application process and reporting software.
Link to Community TechKnowledge (CTK)

Frequently Asked Questions

Please note that to apply for funding you must fill out a Request for Information (RFI). Requests will not be accepted after August 8. No applications will be accepted without a completed RFI.

Q: How do agencies apply for funds?
A: UWMC’s funding is an open, competitive process. To receive advance application, meeting or training notices, agencies should send a one page letter indicating the provided program services, the target population and the service area via mail. Your information will be entered in a database and you will be notified as funding opportunities occur. Alternatively, please check UWMC’s web site (www.uw-mc.org). Agencies must meet basic federal and Illinois state not-for-profit criteria to be considered. UWMC does not provide support for political activities; programs existing solely for the presentation of artistic or cultural achievements; medical research or direct medical services; or educational instruction (including scholarships). Contact Tom Galassini, Director of Agency Relations at tgalassini@uw-mc.org or call his direct line: 312-906-2360 for more information or clarification.

Q: What programs are you funding?
A: In this year’s cycle, we are looking to fund new, innovative as well as continuing programs that align with our Financial Stability issue area.

Q: What is financial stability?
A: United Way is focused on moving individuals and families from financial insecurity to Financial Stability. These include becoming financial literate, attaining and retaining a sustainable job, increasing income, and building savings and assets. Through program funding, community initiatives, regional partnerships, and advocacy efforts, United Way will address compelling issues facing individuals and communities today.

Q: What if my program is not under Financial Stability?
A: We have four total issue areas that span across multiple populations. They are: Health and Wellness (physical, mental, and social well-being), Financial Stability, Children and Youth, and Crisis Intervention. Financial Stability is the first issue area for funding. We will launch a funding application processes for the other issue areas over the next few years. We will not accept funding applications for Health and Wellness, Children and Youth, and Crisis Intervention this year.

Q: To Which United Way(s) in the area am I eligible to apply for funds?
A: Use our community map to determine your service area. Your agency may apply to as many United Ways in the region as applicable. Funding from multiple United Ways is a possibility. Please note that most of Lake (United Way of Lake County (www.uwlakeco.org)) and Will (United Way of Will County (www.unitedwaywillcounty.org)) counties are outside our jurisdiction. Please contact them directly for their process.

Q: Does United Way still have a fundraising blackout period?
A: Effective July 1, 2008, UWMC has removed the blackout period criteria. However, agencies are expected to support UWMC in other ways, including running an agency employee campaign to financially support UWMC.