United Way of 1000 Lakes is encouraging local nonprofits to apply for its 2026 Community Impact Grant cycle.

The organization’s Community Impact Fund provides flexible support to nonprofits serving vulnerable, marginalized, and ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households across greater Itasca County. Successful applicants will be awarded grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000, distributed quarterly from January 1–December 31, 2026.

Preference will be given to programs that align with United Way’s impact strategies, which take a two-generation approach to building opportunity and upward mobility for the entire family. Applications should focus on one or more of United Way’s core areas:

• Ready Kids, Resilient Families: Supporting children and families throughout the educational journey, from early childhood and afterschool enrichment to parenting skills and home stability.
• Family Financial Stability: Helping families overcome barriers, build economic mobility, and achieve resilience through employment training, financial coaching, and asset building.
• Healthy Minds & Bodies: Promoting overall health and wellbeing by increasing access to healthcare, encouraging social connectedness, and creating opportunities for healthy lifestyle choices.

Applications will be evaluated by a volunteer review panel in coordination with United Way staff, based on alignment with United Way’s 2022–2027 Community Impact Framework, equity of service delivery, potential for measurable results, and sound fiscal and management practices.

Nonprofits interested in applying—or current partners seeking continued funding—must submit an Initial Proposal by 5 p.m. on October 6, 2025. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit a Full Proposal by 5 p.m. on October 20, 2025.

To support applicants, United Way will host Open Office Hours on September 23 and September 30, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled by emailing kimberly@uwlakes.org.

For detailed information about the application process, including review criteria and helpful resources, visit uwlakes.org/grants.

 

Cutline A: Smart North receives funding from United Way of 1000 Lakes, with the Deer River Tech Hub awarded one of three program grants. As part of United Way’s Ready Kids, Resilient Families impact pillar, the hub provides afterschool and summer programs that build academic success, leadership, social connections, and future readiness for youth ages 4–18. In 2024, more than 120 students participated in extracurricular activities, 20 engaged in community volunteerism, and others explored college, technical training, military, and career pathways while developing skills through mentorship, internships, and employability programs.

Cutline B: As part of the previous grant cycle, United Way Community Investment Panel volunteers toured the childcare wing at the Itasca County Family YMCA with Education Director Sarah Schrapp and Mission Impact Director Rachelle Miller. WeeFolks Childcare Program, supported through United Way’s Ready Kids, Resilient Families pillar, provides childcare scholarships on a sliding fee scale based on income eligibility. This funding expands access to quality early education and care that nurture development and strengthen family resiliency. In 2024, 139 children regularly attended early childhood programs, with 136 achieving key developmental milestones before entering kindergarten.

Cutline C: Staff at the Itasca County Family YMCA nurture a toddler in the WeeFolks Childcare Center. Supported through United Way’s Ready Kids, Resilient Families pillar, the program provides childcare scholarships on a sliding fee scale to expand access to quality early education. In 2024, 139 children regularly attended early childhood programs, with 136 achieving key developmental milestones before entering kindergarten.