Community Impact Grant - 2026
For eligible 2025 Community Partners only
Program Description
The Community Impact Grant is available to select previous 2025 Community Partners whose funding structure has transitioned from a traditional annual allocation with monthly payments to a project-based grant model.
Eligible organizations may apply for up to $1,500 to support a specific program, service, or community need aligned with United Way of the Flint Hills’ focus areas. This grant is intended to provide flexible, one-time support for impactful work occurring during the 2026 calendar year.
This application is only open to Community Partners who were notified that their funding stream has changed and that they are eligible for this grant.
• Application opens: January 9, 2026
• Application deadline: Monday, February 16, 2026 at 4:00 PM
• Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, organizations must:
• Be a current or former United Way of the Flint Hills Community Partner
• Have been notified that their funding stream transitioned to the Community Impact Grant model
• Serve individuals or families within the United Way of the Flint Hills service area
• Use funds during the 2026 calendar year
• Be in good standing with United Way (no outstanding reports or compliance issues)
Organizations not meeting the above criteria are not eligible to apply.
Purpose
The Community Impact Grant is designed to support previous Community Partners whose funding structure has transitioned from a traditional annual allocation to a project-based grant model. This grant provides flexible, one-time funding to help organizations continue addressing priority community needs during the 2026 calendar year.
Community Impact Grants are intended to support specific programs, services, or activities that align with United Way of the Flint Hills’ focus areas of Education, Income, and Health, and that demonstrate clear community benefit.
Objectives
United Way of the Flint Hills established the Community Impact Grant to:
• Provide a clear and equitable funding mechanism for Community Partners whose funding structure has changed
• Remain responsive to community needs while evolving toward a more flexible, impact-driven funding model
• Support targeted, program-level investments that strengthen outcomes for individuals and families
• Encourage accountability, clarity of purpose, and measurable impact
A Community Impact Grant is:
• A one-time grant, not an annual allocation
• Available only to eligible existing Community Partners
• Intended for use during the 2026 calendar year
• Awarded for a specific purpose or project, not unrestricted general support
The maximum award amount is $1,500 per organization for the 2026 calendar year.
Eligibility
Community Impact Grants are available only to organizations that meet all of the following criteria:
• Are a current or former United Way of the Flint Hills Community Partner
• Have been notified by United Way that their funding stream has transitioned to the Community Impact Grant model
• Operate and provide services within Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage, Wabaunsee, and/or Woodson counties
• Are a nonprofit organization with federal tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) or a government agency
• Are in good standing with United Way of the Flint Hills, including compliance with prior reporting requirements
Organizations that are not eligible Community Partners or that were not notified of eligibility are not eligible to apply.
If an organization is not directly recognized as a 501(c)(3), it may apply through a qualified fiscal agent that meets IRS requirements and assumes responsibility for grant compliance and reporting.
All applicant organizations must comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations related to licensing, health and safety, and operations, and must certify compliance with the USA Patriot Act and other applicable laws. Organizations receiving funds must abide by an Affiliate Partner Agreement, which outlines responsibilities related to use of funds and reporting.
Funding Considerations
Funding decisions will be guided by alignment with United Way of the Flint Hills’ mission and priorities. Preference may be given to requests that:
• Address Education, Income, and/or Health, with emphasis on:
• Helping children and youth succeed
• Strengthening and supporting families
• Supporting vulnerable and aging populations
• Promoting self-sufficiency
• Building safe and vital neighborhoods
• Demonstrate a clear and specific use of funds
• Address a current or emerging community need
• Include reasonable and measurable outcomes
• Leverage partnerships, collaboration, or existing resources
• Demonstrate thoughtful stewardship of limited community funds
Due to limited funding, partial awards may be made.
Limitations
Community Impact Grant funds may not be used for:
• Annual fund drives or general fundraising activities
• Operating deficits or debt retirement
• After-the-fact expenses
• Direct or grassroots lobbying
• Religious purposes or proselytization
• Hospitals, medical research, or academic research
• Event sponsorships
• Capital campaigns or building funds
An organization may receive only one Community Impact Grant per calendar year. Community Impact Grants are not intended to be recurring or multi-year awards.
Application & Review Process
• Applications open January 9, 2026
• Completed applications must be submitted no later than Monday, February 16, 2026 at 4:00 PM
• Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted
• Applications are reviewed by United Way staff and/or designated committees with the Board of Trustees having the final say.
Reporting Requirements
United Way of the Flint Hills values accountability and transparency. Organizations receiving a Community Impact Grant are required to complete an online outcome report within 6 months of receiving funds.
Reports should include:
• A brief description of how funds were used
• Outcomes achieved or progress made
• Any relevant supporting materials such as photos, testimonials, or media coverage (optional)
Timeline
United Way requires sufficient time to review and evaluate all funding requests. Applicants should expect the review and decision-making process to take approximately 30-60 days following the application deadline. Requests for additional information or incomplete applications may delay funding decisions.
Contact
For questions regarding the Community Impact Grant, please contact:
Daphne Mertens, Executive Director
United Way of the Flint Hills
702 Commercial Street
Emporia, KS 66801
📞 620-342-7564
✉️ daphne@uwfh.org