FY 2026 Funding Cycle
Community Impact Grants
At United Way of Sandusky County, we provide Community Impact Grants to address our community’s greatest needs and foster positive change. These grants are awarded annually through a competitive application process, ensuring that funds are invested in high-performing nonprofit organizations. Our focus is on supporting programs and services that align with our four strategic priority areas: Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security, and Community Resilience. By partnering with these dedicated organizations, we aim to improve local community conditions and enhance the quality of life for all residents.
Strategic Priority Areas
Types of Grants
Venture Grant
Venture Grants provide seed funding to help with the startup costs of a new program, service, or organization that is not a duplication of an existing service in Sandusky County.
Support Grant
Support Grants allow agencies not currently receiving United Way funding to fund a special program or sustain/expand an existing program.
Emergency Grant
Emergency Grants allow organizations to respond to crisis situations within the community or within an agency.
Eligibility Requirements
- Align with United Way of Sandusky County’s strategic plan
- Provide services to residents of Sandusky County
- Not duplicate existing services in Sandusky County
- Be a nonprofit 501(c)(3) or have tax-exempt status
- Operate on a non-discriminatory basis
- Maintain acceptable financial record-keeping
- Comply with USA PATRIOT Act and related laws
Criteria for Funding
- High potential for long-term success
- Ability to become self-sufficient (Venture Grants)
- Creative and/or innovative approach
- Collaboration between organizations
- Meet a new or unmet need in Sandusky County
- Enhance outreach and program access
- Have measurable outcomes and objectives
Frequently Asked Questions
The application process to apply for the next Community Impact Grants opens January 12, 2026. The deadline to apply is March 6, 2026, at noon.
Yes, a mandatory meeting is scheduled for January 7, 2026, from 10–11:00 am in the Keen Building at Community Health Services, 2221 Hayes Ave, Fremont, OH. Each nonprofit organization wishing to apply must send a representative. Registration is required. Contact Rachel McCoy at 419-334-8938 or marketing@uwsandco.org to register.
- Serve the residents of Sandusky County.
- Be a nonprofit organization exempt from income taxes as determined by the IRS.
- Be incorporated and have registered bylaws.
- Have an active governing board of three or more with no material conflict of interest.
- Provide the most recently completed IRS Form 990 (if required).
- Maintain an administrative and fundraising rate (AFR) under 25%.
- Meet required financial audit/review standards based on annual revenue.
- Demonstrate non-discrimination in operations and service delivery.
United Way raises funds through the Annual Campaign. Donations not designated by donors are allocated through the Grant Funding Cycle. Applications are reviewed and approved by volunteer board members.
Organizations are notified in late May. Grant agreements are sent and must be returned by the end of June.
Have Questions About Applying?
Contact our team to learn more about the Community Impact Grant process.
Contact United Way