FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Our Annual Community Campaign is focused and prioritized solely on specific community needs. These needs are identified by data, frequently updated studies, and most importantly, listening to local individuals, families, donors, and leaders. These funds come from area business and individual giving. 100% of the funds raised are invested locally to organizations and programs serving residents of Warren, Knox, Henderson, and Mercer Counties. A committee consisting of community leaders reviews funding proposal requests and facilitates interviews if necessary, to determine how campaign funds will be allocated. There are two opportunities each year for eligible organizations to apply. The application for this funding opens every spring and then again every fall. 

United Way of West Central Illinois partnered with The Galesburg Community Foundation and the Twomey Foundation to initiate community endowments in Warren County. Our initial $50,000 investment from our own endowment in 2018 assisted in igniting three Community Funds to date, with a total of 1,001 gifts disbursed and a fund value of $577,986! Area organizations may apply for these additional funds annually.

The Helen Bersted Memorial Grant was established in 2015 to honor the life and legacy of Warren County United Way's first, and long-time executive director, Helen Bersted. As one of the founding members of United Way of West Central Illinois, her dedication and inspiration continues to provide service to thousands in Warren County each and every year. Upon announcement, United Way of Greater Warren County accepts applications from local non-profits who have served the community for three or more years. Helen Bersted Memorial Grant Awards do not exceed $500 and are disbursed at the administration's discretion and within annual budgetary guidelines. Funds for this grant are made possible through the Len G. Everett Endowment. 

Both Rapid Response Funds and Emergency Funding Grants provide funding for qualifying nonprofits in the event of unforeseen emergencies or special allocation needs. A serious financial problem or emergency situation is defined as, but not limited to: a breakdown of essential equipment; repairs that cannot go unattended without damaging the property and/or the organization's people; natural events; or an urgent community service need. Emergency grants are reviewed and approved by the board of directors upon request and limited to $10,000 each year. They are only available to local nonprofits and must be determined to be within guidelines to be awarded.