FUNDING GUIDELINES

1. Use of Funds

United Way of Indiana County funding must support approved programs that serve Indiana County residents. Funds may only be used for services provided within Indiana County.

2. Transfer of Funds

Funds cannot be moved from one program to another without written approval from United Way of Indiana County.

3. Ineligible Expenses

United Way funding cannot be used for the following expenses:

• Administrative salaries
• Mortgage payments
• Building projects
• National, state, or local association dues
• Celebrations
• Endowments
• Operating deficits

4. Equipment

Funding may be used to purchase equipment needed to provide direct program services. All planned equipment purchases must be clearly listed in the funding application.

5. Complete Application

All questions and sections of the application must be completed. The Executive Director and Board President must sign the application. Their signatures confirm that the information is accurate and complete.

6. Prior-Year Funding

Programs that received United Way funding in the previous year must submit a Year-End Final Report with their new funding application.

7. Community Impact Partners

Organizations that receive United Way funding become Community Impact Partners. They must follow the terms of the Community Impact Partner Agreement. This includes meeting all reporting and accountability requirements.
 

Who Can Apply?

United Way of Indiana County welcomes funding requests from eligible nonprofit organizations. To apply for Winter Allocations, your organization must meet these requirements:

• Be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Pennsylvania. Your organization must also be in good financial and legal standing.
• Have a volunteer Board of Directors that includes members from Indiana County.
• Have been operating for at least two years.
• Offer programs in Indiana County that directly benefit local residents.
• Support at least one of United Way's current Impact Pillars.
• Show clear, measurable results for the people your program serves.
• Have a policy against discrimination and follow all federal requirements that apply.
• Show how your organization plans to maintain its programs through fundraising, grants, or other funding sources.

How Much Funding Can You Request?

There is no minimum or maximum funding request. In past years, most requests have ranged from $5,000 to $30,000.

Please note that applying does not guarantee funding.

First-Time Applicants

Is your organization applying for United Way of Indiana County funding for the first time?

We encourage you to submit a one-page overview by December 1, 2026.

Your overview should include:

• A brief description of your organization and the people you serve.
• The program for which you are seeking funding.
• How your program supports at least one of United Way's Impact Pillars.
• The number of Indiana County residents your program expects to help.
• The amount of funding you plan to request.

What Happens Next?

United Way will review your overview to see if your program meets our funding priorities and Impact Pillars.

This review helps you decide if completing the full application is the right next step for your organization.

Submitting an overview does not guarantee funding or approval of a full application.

2027 Allocation Application Instructions

Important Application Dates

Applications Open: November 2, 2026

Application Deadline: January 18, 2027

Where to Submit Your Application

All completed applications must be sent to:

United Way of Indiana County
799 Old Route 119 Hwy N
Indiana, PA 15701

Before You Submit

Please complete all sections of your application. Be sure to include all required documents and signatures.

United Way does not check applications for missing documents or signatures before sending them to the review teams. Missing information may affect your funding decision.

Please provide clear, detailed answers to each question. This helps our volunteers understand your program, its impact, and your funding needs.

Your application package must include three sections, as outlined below.

Important: You must provide both a printed copy and a copy on a USB drive of every required document.

First-Time Applicants

Is your organization applying for United Way funding for the first time?

We encourage you to submit a one-page overview by December 1, 2026.

What to Include in Your Overview

Your overview should explain:

• What your organization does and who it serves.
• Which program needs funding.
• How your program supports one or more of United Way's Impact Pillars.
• How many Indiana County residents your program expects to help.
• How much funding you plan to request.

What Happens Next?

United Way will review your overview to see if your program meets our funding priorities and Impact Pillars.

This review helps you decide whether to complete the full application.

Please note: Submitting an overview does not guarantee funding or approval of a full application.

1. Overall Agency Information

A. Required Agency Documents

You only need to submit one printed copy of the following documents, even if you are applying for funding for more than one program.

Label each document with its attachment letter in the upper right corner.

• Attachment A: Most recent Annual Audit or Review
• Attachment B: Most recent IRS Form 990
• Attachment C: Most recent Annual Report
• Attachment D: Current Board of Directors list
• Attachment E: Nondiscrimination Statement for both employees and clients
• Attachment F: UWIC Proposed Budget (See UWIC website for form)

Remember to include these documents on your USB drive as well.

2. Program Funding Application

A. Application

Submit one typed, unbound printed copy of your completed application.

B. Program Materials

Include one copy of a recent publication that highlights your program. This may be a:

• Newsletter
• Brochure
• Press release
• Other program publication

C. Applying for Multiple Programs

Are you requesting funding for more than one program?

You must complete a separate application for each program.

Each application must include the documents needed for that specific program. You do not need to submit duplicate copies of your overall agency documents.

D. United Way Impact Pillars

Programs seeking funding must support at least one of United Way of Indiana County's five Impact Pillars:

• Housing Instability & Homelessness
• Food Insecurity
• Transportation Barriers
• Mental & Behavioral Health Needs
• Child Care & Youth Support

Your application should clearly explain how your program addresses one or more of these community needs.

3. Year-End Report

Did your program receive United Way of Indiana County funding in 2026?

If so, you must submit the following documents with your new application.

A. Year-End Report

• One (1) unbound printed copy of the UWIC Year-End Report. (See UWIC website for form)
   
• One (1) printed copy of the UWIC Year-End Zip Code Report. ( See UWIC website for form)

B. Required Attachments

Include one copy of each required attachment.

Label each document with its attachment number in the upper right corner.

Attachment 1: Program Photos

Provide 3 to 5 photos taken during the year your program received funding. These photos may be used by United Way of Indiana County.

Attachment 2: Program Publications

Include any newsletters, brochures, press releases, or other publications that featured your program.

You do not need to submit these materials again if they are already included in your Program Funding Application.

Reminder: Include printed copies and USB copies of all required documents.

DOWNLOAD DOCUMENTS HERE: