In 2020, Metro United Way began a three-year transition to a new impact and investment model aimed at creating transformational change throughout the communities we serve because we recognized the urgent need to address persistent inequities that stifle sustainable progress communitywide. That same year, we launched an Impact and Innovation Fund which targeted innovative strategies aimed at closing the Education Gap and Wealth Gap that persist throughout our region. We recognize, however, that transformational change in these areas cannot occur if individuals’ and families’ basic needs are not met. This Request for Proposals seeks to create strategic partnerships to address the community’s more urgent needs around food, shelter, clothing, health and other necessities for daily living.
In this particular Request for Proposals, we seek to identify existing community programs and services run by non-profit partners – both with pre-existing relationships with MUW and without – proven to be effective at addressing basic needs. Leaning on continued data collection and insights from 211, United Community and other community data sources, we have learned that some of the greatest needs in Jefferson County currently are housing, utility assistance, food/meals, clothing/personal/household needs, healthcare, transportation, income support/assistance, legal and public safety services, and mental health/addiction services.
Eligibility Criteria
- The Internal Revenue Service has ruled the applicant to be a federally recognized tax exempt, not-for-profit organization or the organization has an application in process and a fiduciary agent.
- The applicant is seeking funds for programs, services, or strategies focused on meeting the immediate basic needs of individuals and families in Jefferson County, KY.
- The applicant must be able to comply with MUW’s Grant Agreement (attached).
- The applicant is requesting funds for existing programming proven to be effective at addressing basic needs.
- Organizations may only submit one application per agency for this particular Metro United Way funding opportunity. Applicants may include a cumulative funding request for more than one basic needs program/service provided by their agency in their single application.