The Community Impact Grant Program (formerly the Venture Grant Program),was established in 2003 by the United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley to focus resources on the priority health and human care needs that matter most to the people of their communities.

Eligible Activities

The intent of this program is to respond to local priority needs as established through the United Way Community Needs process, including:

Investing in children (Education)

• Children have access to basic needs
• Preschool aged children have access to affordable, high quality, early learning programs that prepare them for kindergarten
• Students have access to high quality, enriching out of school programs where students have support and encouragement for educational success from engaged parents/advocates and mentors.
• Junior high and high school students have access to age-appropriate college and career preparation and graduate equipped with skills for success.

Promote financial stability and independence (Income/Financial Stability)

• Families in community are self-sufficient and move from financial instability to financial stability.
• Low or no income individuals acquire the skills necessary to secure and retain self and/or family-sustaining employment
• Vulnerable seniors are able to access services that improve their quality of life and maintain independence.

Support most vulnerable neighbors (Basic Needs)

• Help people in crisis meet their basic needs and become self-sufficient.

Build Healthier Communities (Health)

• Families and individuals are able to access quality and affordable health care which includes: physical, dental, mental health, and wellness.
• Children and Youth have access to emergency and ongoing mental health and counseling services.
• Aggressively address the substance abuse crisis in their community.
• Prevent and respond to domestic violence.

Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for funding:

• Be a 501(c)(3) non-profit and be a Virginia registered charity.
• Be directed by a volunteer governing body with an organizational structure to administer programs.
• Account for funds in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Conduct an independent annual audit if revenue $250,000 or more … conduct a financial review if revenue below $250,000.
• Provide health and human services in the UWNSV catchment area (Winchester, Frederick, Clarke, and Shenandoah Counties).
• Operate without discrimination.
• Overhead cost (management and general/fundraising) should not exceed 25% of revenue.

For more information, visit United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley.