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Grant Applications

Investing in Impact: Apply. Report. Transform.

Building a Stronger, More United Community

United Way of Amarillo & Canyon partners with local programs and agencies that align with our mission to move individuals and families from surviving to thriving.
To be eligible for funding, applicants must serve within one or more of our key focus areas:

  • Health

  • Education

  • Financial Stability

  • Basic Needs

  • Youth

Our primary target demographic is ALICE+: individuals and families who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed. These are community members living paycheck to paycheck, often just one unexpected expense away from financial crisis. This group also includes those living at or below the poverty line.

We invest in programs that share our vision of a community where all of us help all of us, creating pathways toward long-term stability and opportunity.

 

Grant Opportunities

🧡 Youth Cabinet Grants

Who Can Apply: Local nonprofits, schools, and community groups with youth-focused projects.
About: Funded and approved by our Youth Cabinet — a group of high school leaders passionate about improving our community.
Focus: Short-term or project-based initiatives that directly benefit youth or local schools.
Application Window:

  • 2026 Youth Cabinet Grant Cycle: January 1 – March 2, 2026

🚨 Immediate Needs Grant

Who Can Apply: Nonprofits facing urgent, unexpected financial challenges.
About: Provides emergency funding for unforeseen situations, such as equipment failure or urgent repairs that threaten service continuity.
Availability: Open year-round
Note: Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria outlined in the grant portal.

🌍 Community Impact Grants

Who Can Apply: Agencies serving within our focus areas of Health, Education, Financial Stability, Basic Needs, and Youth. Targeting ALICE+ to further our mission and vision.
Application Window: October 15 – November 21, 2025

Funding Cycles:

  • Basic Needs: Annual grant (reapply each year)

  • Health, Education, Financial Stability, Youth: Three-year grant cycle

Example:

  • A Basic Needs program may apply and reapply each year.

  • All other Focus Areas programs may apply for and receive annual funding for three years before reapplying.

Reporting Requirements

Accountability and transparency are key to our partnerships with funded agencies.

  • Stewardship Reporting:
    Open October 15 – December 5, 2025
    (Audit information)

  • End-of-Year Numbers:
    Due December 15, 2025 – January 15, 2026
    (Focuses on measurable impact and service data.)

Ready to Apply?

UWAC Grant Management
Questions or Concerns

Haley Stoddard, Sr. Director of Community Impact, haley@uwamarillocanyon.org

Q: Who can apply for a grant?
A: Any agency or program whose mission and vision align with United Way of Amarillo & Canyon’s focus areas: Health, Education, Financial Stability, Basic Needs, and Youth. Programs should serve individuals and families within the ALICE+ population those living paycheck to paycheck or in poverty who are one crisis away from disaster.

Q: What is the grant cycle timeline?
A:

  • Basic Needs Programs: Apply yearly.

  • Other Focus Areas (Health, Education, Financial Stability, Youth): Apply on a three-year cycle.

  • Stewardship Reporting: Required from all funded partners every year.

Q: Does my organization need to have a board of directors?
A: Yes. Each agency or program applying for funding must have a governing board in place to ensure accountability and oversight.

Q: What is the Youth Cabinet Grant?
A: The Youth Cabinet Grant is funded and managed by local high school leaders who make real funding decisions. Students review applications, discuss community impact, and allocate funds based on project need and measurable outcomes.
These decisions are not made by staff, board, or adult volunteers we believe in empowering youth to lead and learn through giving.

Q: Do we have to host a rally to receive funding?
A: No, rallies are not required. However, we love when agencies choose to engage with the community and share impact stories through workplace rallies or presentations it helps inspire others to give and get involved.

Q: How are Community Impact Grant funds decided?
A: Funding decisions for the Community Impact Grant are made by our Allocations Council a diverse group of local community members. No staff, board, or United Way employees are involved in these decisions. Any member of the community is welcome to join and be part of this impactful process.

Q: Does United Way audit funded agencies?
A: We don’t conduct formal audits, but we do request detailed information about your organization’s outcomes and finances to ensure donor dollars create measurable impact. We ask thoughtful questions to understand how funds are being used to move individuals from surviving to thriving within our focus areas.