United Way Southwest Louisiana has helped people for 85 years. Through hurricanes, economic downturns, a global pandemic and more, Southwest Louisiana has trusted United Way to provide monetary and voluntary assistance in times of need. As a community UNITED, we have done just that. We've created a safety net, but it’s not enough. For our community to move forward, we must continue to move people and families to positions of lasting independence.
Through our Community Impact Partnership Grants, local nonprofit organizations can partner with United Way to reach our goals.
To apply for funding, ensure your organization meets ALL of the below requirements:
- Does your organization have a 501(C)(3)?
- Is your organization in good standing with the state of Louisiana?
- Do you serve clients in AT LEAST one of the following parishes: Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron or Jefferson Davis?
- Does your organization provide services in AT LEAST one of the following: Education, Economic Mobility, Health or Basic Needs?
- Does your organization have a written Disaster Management Plan for operations following a pandemic or natural disaster?
- Does your organization have a written Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy?
- Does your organization maintain a physical office in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and/or Jeff Davis Parish?
The application process begins with an online Letter of Intent (LOI).
2025- 2026 GRANT CYCLE OFFERED BY UNITED WAY SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
LETTER OF INTENT (LOI) 2025 - 2026
OPENS: TBA
CLOSES: TBA
Approved agencies who complete a Letter of Intent prior to the deadline will be invited to complete the Application
Priority for funding is also given to programs who target the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population in Southwest Louisiana.
Priority for funding is given to nonprofit organizations with a significant alignment with United Way Southwest Louisiana's stated objectives, including Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, along with the overall stability of the program, the use of evidence-based programming and financial accountability/transparency.
Priority for funding is also given to programs that target the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population in Southwest Louisiana.
Mailed, faxed and emailed LOIs are not accepted.
Applying organizations must possess a 501(c)(3) or related status with the Internal Revenue Service and be in good standing with the State of Louisiana.
Each program requesting funding must fall into one of United Way Southwest Louisiana's four focus areas: Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Community Resiliency or Healthy Community.
The nonprofit's clients must live in one or more of Southwest Louisiana's parishes: Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron or Jeff Davis.
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY "COMMUNITY IMPACT” AND HOW WILL COMMUNITY IMPACT BE USED IN FUNDING?
Our mission is to unite Southwest Louisiana to address our human needs. In doing so, we will identify important issues while continuing to fund local organizations that improve community conditions in the areas we have identified. We do not fund programs that do not fit our mission and identified needs. Creating lasting changes in community conditions is challenging and requires each community to work together to be successful.
The Community Impact Business Model includes United Way Southwest Louisiana Initiatives that you will find here. Initiatives are independently run by United Way in response to a critical human need not being met in the community.
Where there is great need, our goal is to work quickly and help those most vulnerable.
PARTNER AGENCY MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintain responsible management to administer programs and/or services
- Keep proper and accurate financial records and submit annual financials, as required, to United Way Southwest Louisiana for review
- Provide equal opportunities to all individuals in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations
- Conform to federal, state, and local laws pertaining to nonprofit organizations
- Register with the State of Louisiana and remain in good standing
- Provide program financial information and other documentation to United Way Southwest Louisiana as requested
- Provide the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Policy
- Provide the Disaster Management Plan
- Immediately notify United Way Southwest Louisiana of any situation, occurrence, or change in service delivery that might have a detrimental effect on the agency or United Way Southwest Louisiana
- Report major program or budget changes to United Way Southwest Louisiana that may affect how invested dollars are spent
- Comply with all United Way Southwest Louisiana partner policies and procedures detailed in the Partner Agreement