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United Way Southwest Louisiana Announces Opening of 2026–2027 Partnership Grant Cycle

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Lake Charles, LA — United Way Southwest Louisiana is pleased to announce the upcoming opening of its 2026–2027 Partnership Grant cycle, designed to fund local nonprofit organizations working to improve lives and strengthen communities throughout Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jefferson Davis parishes.

The Partnership Grants support programs that align with United Way Southwest Louisiana’s four focus areas: Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Community, and Community Resiliency. These grants are open to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations serving Southwest Louisiana residents, particularly those addressing the needs of the ALICE population (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)—families who are working yet struggling to afford basic necessities.

Important Dates

  • Letter of Intent (LOI) Opens: November 1, 2025 at 10:00 AM
  • LOI Closes: December 3, 2025 at 4:00 PM
  • Request for Proposal (RFP) Opens: December 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM
  • RFP Closes: February 11, 2026 at 4:00 PM

Only organizations that submit a Letter of Intent by the deadline will be invited to submit a full Request for Proposal.

“Through our Partnership Grants, United Way Southwest Louisiana invests in innovative, community-based solutions that create lasting change,” said Denise Durel, President & CEO of United Way Southwest Louisiana. “These partnerships allow us to work hand-in-hand with local nonprofits to ensure every person in Southwest Louisiana has the opportunity to thrive.”

To be eligible, organizations must:

  • Be a registered 501(c)(3) in good standing
  • Maintain a physical presence in at least one of the five eligible parishes
  • Provide services within the United Way Southwest Louisiana service area
  • Have a written Disaster Management Plan policy

Applications must be submitted online; mailed or emailed submissions will not be accepted.

For complete details and to access the application portal, visit:
👉 unitedwayswla.org/partnership-grant

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