UWYV GRANTS

United Way of the Yampa Valley (UWYV) Grant Cycle 2026

The United Way of the Yampa Valley (UWYV) is pleased to announce this year’s program grant application cycle. We look forward to supporting worthy programs that align with the core objectives of our Strategic Plan. Namely, we strive to support programs providing help to working families and households earning above traditional assistance levels, but below what it takes to be financially secure, and seniors living on low fixed incomes. Grants will be awarded solely to fund program activities and not organizational operational expenses. Early Childhood Education applications have already been considered for this grant cycle and will not be evaluated during this phase of our grant cycle.

Successful applicants will show strong alignment with the objectives of our Strategic Plan as noted above. Our Strategic Plan is presented on our website and provides further information of where grant making plays a role in meeting these objectives. We do not expect to be able award grants to all worthy applicants given the limitations of available funds and we will focus our grant making on high impact program initiatives. Funding will be distributed in two disbursements split between December 2026 and April 2027. If we successfully raise funds to values approaching our stretch goal we will issue a second round of grant awards that may increase funding of the original awards, or to fund program applicants not initially awarded funding.

The grant application timeline and process will both be a little different this year. Rather than preparing the application online using the UWYV website, you will download a Microsoft Word file containing the application form. You will prepare the application using this form locally on your computer and email it to us as a PDF file together with agency financial information requested in the application (e.g. IRS Form 990)., Employed) families and households. We adopt an earnings threshold of 400% of the Federal Poverty Level to define ALICE households, but provide program directors some discretion if they encounter a family with dire needs.

Please prepare the application using this form locally on your computer and email it to us as a PDF file together with agency financial information requested in the application (e.g. IRS Form 990).

Application Forms

The 2026 Grant Schedule

  • September 21-23, Pre-qualification Meeting Signup: On September 21st we will send a link to a Doodle poll for you to sign up for a time to attend a pre-qualification meeting on September 24th.
  • September 24, Pre-qualification Meetings: Attendance at these meetings is not required if your program received a grant from UWYV last year, but they provide an opportunity for you to introduce updates to your program and to ask questions. Attendance is required if you are applying for a program that was not awarded a grant last year. These meetings can be attended via Zoom or in person and will last no more than 20 minutes. Let us know if this date does not work and we will work with you to make other arrangements.
  • October 21, Grant Applications Are Due: All Grant Applications, including agency financial information, must be completed and emailed to Jennifer Bruen at Jennifer Bruen director@UnitedWayYV.org and Chick Corrado at cncorrado@comcast.net.
  • November 23, Grant Application Questions Sent to Authors: Any questions posed by the UWYV grant application review team will be sent to the applicants.
  • December 1, Responses to Questions Sent to UWYV: Responses to questions posed by the grant review team are due. Responses are to be emailed to Jennifer Bruen and Chick Corrado.
  • December 4, Grant Award Letters Sent to Applicants: Grant award letters will be sent to all applicants no later than this date.

Grant Criteria

UWYV only accepts requests for program funding; UWYV does not fund general operations or capital equipment at this time. UWYV also does not have the resources to fund sports or sports enhancement programs.

Grant requests for programs that align with UWYV Board priorities and meet or exceed UWYV expectations will receive priority funding.

  • Fund a program aligned with your core organization goals.
  • Serve primarily lower-income, at-risk clients in Routt, Moffat, and/or Rio Blanco County.
  • We are proud to launch the inaugural ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report for Colorado. This report provides crucial data and is now required for UWYV grant funding.
  • The report highlights that 37% of Colorado households work but struggle to afford necessities. ALICE households—essential workers like cashiers, childcare providers, and janitors—often earn too much to qualify for aid but not enough to make ends meet, leaving them one emergency away from crisis.
  • Grant applicants are encouraged to review the ALICE Report and demonstrate how their programs will directly and positively impact ALICE households.
  • Addressing their needs is vital to building stronger, more resilient communities.
  • Address a UWYV community impact goal.
  • Show strong program management ability by delivering, critically evaluating, and continuously improving program results.

  • Exhibit strong oversight by an engaged Board of Directors.
  • Present a financially healthy organization.
  • Be a tax-exempt organization eligible to accept charitable donations.
  • Pre-schools and childcare providers must have a Colorado Shines rating of 1 or higher.

Get Support

If you or someone you know in Routt, Moffat, or Rio Blanco Counties needs support, United Way of the Yampa Valley is here to help.

From housing assistance and food security to mental health services and childcare resources, we connect individuals and families with vital programs that strengthen our community. Whether you’re facing financial hardship, seeking healthcare, or looking for educational opportunities, local resources are available to provide guidance and relief.