COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS
United Way of Central Minnesota works to align community needs and priorities with donations. Every two years, United Way accepts applications from 501(c)(3) organizations for grants. To receive funding, these organizations must strive to improve Health, Education and/or Financial Stability in our community through their programming.
HEALTH
Our vision is creating a community where all have the opportunity to live healthier lives – in body and mind.
United Way of Central Minnesota Health invests its grant resources in nonprofit partners that collaborate in our priority focus areas within the main goal:
Mental health & wellness through prevention, intervention and postvention
Organizations may apply for one of the following priority focus areas:
1. Children - Addressing accessibility: right time, right place, right service
2. Caregivers - (Parents/Guardians, educators, after school staff or those caring for another individual) - Equipping and supporting the caregiver
3. Older Adults - Promoting wellness throughout life and, in particular, positive mental health for older adults
EDUCATION
Our vision is that every child in our community has the opportunities and support to thrive and succeed from cradle to career.
We believe that essential to this vision is the realization that historical and on-going inequities embedded in systems, structures and policies prevent equitable access, accomplishments, and outcomes for Black, Indigenous and Youth of Color as well as Youth living in low socio-economic conditions.
The wellbeing of our entire community is harmed by these inequalities, and we strive to unite the community to create equitable environments, opportunities and support so that each child has what is needed to thrive and succeed in school and in life.
Organizations may apply for one of the following priority focus areas:
1. Early Childhood - Equipping adults with skills to deliver or support access to, positive childhood experiences
2. Student Success - Strengthening young people with literacy skills, positive identity, or social/emotional skills through positive and meaningful relationships
3. College and Career Readiness - Provide young people additional skills to prepare them for careers or college through skill development, experiences and/or mentorships
FINANCIAL STABILITY
Our vision is to foster a community of financially independent citizens. United Way of Central Minnesota Financial Stability invests its grant resources in nonprofit partners that collaborate in our priority focus areas within the main goal:
Provide individuals and families with education, skills and support that lead to a more financially stable life, with a focus on the A-L-I-C-E (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) population.
Organizations may apply for one of the following priority focus areas:
1. Family Stability Services - Focus on programs that reduce stress, keep people working, add to skills and permanently increase income & assets. Examples: Child Care Services, Transportation Opportunities, Tax Prep
2. Housing Stability Services - Focus on programs that reduce stress, keep people working, add to skills and permanently increase income & assets. Examples: Checkbook Services, Budgeting, Landlord Relation Services, Improvement Services
3. Training & Employment Services - Focus on programs that reduce stress, keep people working, add to skills and permanently increase income & assets. Examples: Placement Services, Education Programming, Extended Training Services