United Way of 1000 Lakes’ annual Community Impact Funding (CIF) process is coming to a close, marking the transition from application review to the distribution of grant awards that will support local nonprofits in the year ahead. This blog takes a closer look at how funding decisions are made and how community investments are directed toward meaningful, measurable impact across our region. 

We are deeply committed to investing in agencies that deliver essential services and advance positive outcomes for children, individuals, and families. In this blog, we share how the CIF process works and answer some of the most common questions we hear from nonprofit partners, community members, and donors. 

 What Is a Partner Agency? 

A United Way partner agency is a nonprofit organization that aligns with our mission and impact priorities and provides critical services that strengthen our community. These agencies support education, financial stability, health, and basic needs—helping individuals and families meet immediate needs while also building pathways to long-term stability and economic mobility. 

Partner agencies understand that lasting change requires both short-term support and long-term solutions. Their work not only addresses today’s challenges—such as food insecurity, housing instability, or access to care—but also helps create better opportunities for the next generation through education, workforce readiness, and family-centered approaches. 

Partner agencies serve communities across Itasca County, as well as parts of Aitkin and Cass counties and the Leech Lake Reservation. Each agency participates in a vetting process that assesses alignment with eligibility requirements, commitment to equity, responsiveness to local needs, and the ability to demonstrate meaningful impact. Strong proposals also show collaboration with community partners and the organizational capacity—both operationally and financially—to deliver on their plans. 

What Is the Community Impact Funding Process? 

How We Ensure Funding Is Fair and Impactful 

We know that how funding decisions are made matters. That’s why our CIF process is built around clear guidelines, community voice, and shared accountability. By using consistent criteria and engaging local volunteers in the review process, we work to ensure funding decisions are thoughtful, equitable, and grounded in the real needs of our region. 

To guide funding decisions, United Way of 1000 Lakes uses three core eligibility requirements: 

Population of Focus
Funding prioritizes programs that serve children, individuals, and families who face barriers to education, health, and financial stability. This includes ALICE households—those who are working but living paycheck to paycheck—as well as individuals experiencing inequities related to income, access, or discrimination. Programs should demonstrate an understanding of these barriers and take steps to reduce them through inclusive, culturally responsive approaches. 

Geographic Area
Eligible programs must operate within United Way of 1000 Lakes’ service area, which includes Itasca County, parts of Aitkin and Cass counties, and the Leech Lake Reservation. Organizations must show a meaningful local presence and direct service within the communities they serve. 

Alignment
Organizations must be eligible entities and align with United Way’s Community Impact priorities: Youth Opportunity; Family Financial Stability; Healthy Community; and Community Resiliency. 

Community Resiliency funding follows the same eligibility criteria but uses a streamlined review process through the Community Impact Committee, allowing United Way to respond more quickly to emerging community needs. 

Learn more about our Community Impact framework, here.

What Happens After Applications Close? 

Because Community Impact Funding is made possible by the generosity of individual donors, workplace campaigns, and business and corporate partners, we take great care in how every dollar is reviewed and invested. 

Once the application window closes, proposals move through a community-led review process designed to ensure fairness, consistency, and strong stewardship of resources. Trained volunteer Investment Panels review each application and assess financial health, program effectiveness, and alignment with United Way’s mission and priorities. Panelists also meet with nonprofit leaders and participate in site visits to gain first-hand insight into how programs operate and serve the community. 

One volunteer panelist, Teresa Alto, shared how participating in the process deepened her understanding of the impact local nonprofits are making across our region: 

“I was new to the Community Impact Panel this year, but not new to the community. I thought I had a good understanding of the resources and programs available—but I quickly realized how much more there was to learn. 

I was brought to tears by the passion, dedication, and creativity of the nonprofit staff I met through this process. From Habitat for Humanity’s forward-thinking zero-energy homes and its partnership with Affinity Credit Union to offer free financial training, to Project READ’s incredible reach—getting hundreds of books into the hands of children and supporting parents reading with their kids across the county—I was truly blown away. 

United Way’s carefully targeted grants help ensure that whole families have access to resources and that people of all ages and abilities have opportunities to engage and flourish, improving life for everyone in United Way of 1000 Lakes’ service area.” 

Panel recommendations are reviewed by United Way’s Community Impact Committee and forwarded to the Board of Directors for final approval. Following approval, grant agreements outlining shared strategies, outcomes, and metrics are finalized, and funds are distributed to partner agencies on a January–December cycle. 

Throughout the grant year, partners receive ongoing support through networking, collaboration, and technical assistance. This support includes opportunities such as the Volunteer Coordinators Network (VCN) and the 2Gen Peer Learning Coalition, which focuses on strengthening family well-being by working with children and the adults in their lives to support long-term economic opportunity. 

Get Involved: Volunteer with the Community Impact Team 

Our Community Impact work is only possible because of dedicated volunteers who give their time, expertise, and perspective to this process. Volunteering is a meaningful way to give back, strengthen local nonprofits, and help shape the future of our community. 

Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant Itasca region—one where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 

Explore our current funded partners and watch for the announcement of the 2026 Community Impact Funding cycle. 

Learn more about United Way’s volunteer leadership opportunities at uwlakes.org/about/#membership.