2026 Grant Application Instructions

2026 COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT APPLICATION

Only fully completed and submitted applications will be reviewed for funding.
**Application deadline is 4:00 pm, Thursday, September 25, 2026.**

Thank you for your interest in the United Way of Dodge City Community Impact Grant. Through the generosity of local donors, businesses, and community partners, United Way invests in programs that create lasting, positive change throughout our service area.

Community Impact Grants support nonprofit organizations that are addressing our community's greatest needs and improving the lives of individuals and families. We welcome applications from eligible 501(c)(3) organizations whose programs align with United Way's Community Impact priorities: Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency.

Each application is reviewed through a competitive process by community volunteers and funding recommendations are based on community need, program impact, organizational capacity, and available funding. We appreciate your commitment to serving our community and look forward to learning more about your organization and the difference you make.

Please read INSTRUCTIONS before filling out the Grant Application.
To complete the Community Impact Grant application online, click the link below:
2026 Community Impact Grant Application

WHAT IS A COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT?

United Way of Dodge City Community Impact Grants are one of the ways we invest local dollars to strengthen our communities and create lasting, positive change. Funding decisions are made through a competitive application process open to eligible nonprofit organizations serving our community. Grants are awarded to programs and initiatives that align with United Way's Community Impact priorities, including Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency. Through these investments, nonprofit partners help address local needs and improve quality of life across our service area.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR A COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT?

United Way of Dodge City (UWDC) works to identify our community's most pressing needs and invest in programs that provide meaningful, measurable solutions. If your organization offers a program or project that aligns with United Way's mission and Community Impact priorities, you are encouraged to apply for funding.

To be eligible, your organization must be recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and be active and in good standing with the Kansas Secretary of State. You can verify your organization's status by visiting www.kssos.org.

Should I apply if my organization has never received funding from United Way of Dodge City or is not currently funded?

Yes. All eligible applications are evaluated through the same competitive review process. Organizations that are currently receiving funding or have received funding in previous years are not given special consideration by the grant review committee.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Organization must be a 501(c)3 non-profit health and human service organization.
Organization must operate under written Articles of Incorporations and By-laws or other written documents or statutes that define the applicant’s purposes, membership, management and operation.
Organizations must comply with all regulations of the state, county and federal government pertaining to proper licensing, health and safety requirements and operation within the State of Kansas and certify they comply with the USA Patriot Act and other counterterrorism laws.
Organization must operate on a non-discriminatory basis in employment, recruitment of volunteers and delivery of services.
Organization must demonstrate effective program performance and financial responsibility and accountability.
Organization must operate or provide service within the United Way coverage area.
Project/Program must align with the United Way of Dodge City mission.
Organization must obtain financial support other than United Way of Dodge City.
Organization must have an unpaid Board of Directors/Advisory Board who meet at least quarterly, verified through minutes.

OPERATING GUIDELINES

Funds shall be used solely for the granted purpose.
Funds will be distributed based on the specific needs of the grant project/program.
Grant recipients shall include UWDC in promotional materials, activities and programs funded with UWDC monies.

FUNDING LIMITATIONS

Funding will not be provided to support the following:

Clinical or medical research.
Contributions to capital campaigns.
Organizations that practice discrimination by race, color, national origin, sex, age, political affiliation, religion, disability or veteran status.
Operating deficits or retirement of debt.
Endowment programs.
Construction projects or real estate acquisitions.
Political projects of any kind or special interest groups.
Motorized or self-motorized vehicles does not include motorized assistive devices for persons with disability.
Those that exist solely as a forum for the presentation of cultural or artistic achievements.
Sectarian programs – United Way of Dodge City will fund programs of religious organizations as long as the program does not include religious content and is open to all.
Unless specific to the project/program – rent, utilities, fuel costs, travel or unrequired program supplies.
Computer equipment, printers, scanners, software, etc.
Funding can be used for specific project/program materials/products, not overall operations.
United Way of Dodge City will not fund duplicate services.
Any other limitations that the United Way Board of Directors considers inappropriate for United Way support.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Grant recipients shall submit a project performance report and financial statement indicating actual use and the results of Grant funds 6 months after initial distribution of funds.
Grant recipients shall submit a project performance report and financial statement indicating actual use and the results of Grant funds within 30 days of completion of project/program end date.
Failure to timely submit required reports may result in removal from consideration of future grant opportunities.

RESTRICTIONS

Please provide only the information requested.
Applications must be completed online and printed.
Applications must be signed by the appropriate person and dated.
United Way of Dodge City is unable to accept any typewritten, emailed, or faxed applications.
Only one complete project/program application will be accepted per organization.
United Way of Dodge City does not provide an oral or written explanation for funds awarded or denied.
All applications and supplemental materials become the property of the United Way.

DETAILED BUDGET FORM

Please use this detailed budget form for your grant application. There will be a place to upload it once you enter the application.
2026 DETAILED BUDGET FORM

BUDGET DEFINITIONS

Revenue Sources

United Way Grant – Grant received from United Way of Dodge City. 
Federal Grants – Money received from the Federal Government. 
Government Support – Revenue from Taxing Entity. 
Foundations/Private Grants – Funds received directly from private foundations. 
In-Kind Support – Gifts of materials or supplies in lieu of monetary donations that provide a savings for the program. 
Client/Program Service Fees – Fees received for services furnished by the organization.
Contributions – Donations received directly from individual donors and organizations. 
Interest/Investment Income – Interest, dividends, and royalties on any type of investment. 
Other Revenue – If revenue to an organization has been properly classified very little should be reported. However, if you foresee having to use your organization’s reserves in order to fund a portion of the program, list that amount.

Expenses

Salaries – specific to program for which you seek funding. Includes all salaried and wage earning employees, including full-time, part-time and temporary. Include cost of benefits. Contract Labor Employees - any temporary, professional labor that is specific to a portion of the program. [i.e. payment to a financial counselor for financial literacy class for clients.] 
Professional Fees – Fees and charges of professional practitioners, technical consultants, or semi-professional technicians who are not employees of the agency and are engaged as independent contractors for specified services on a fee or other individual contract basis. Does not include persons engaged for maintenance and repair services which should be included in occupancy expenses. 
Supplies – All supplies and materials used by an organization. This includes office supplies, postage/shipping/printing, housekeeping supplies, cost of food and beverages purchased for use in agency food service or programs and recreational and craft supplies. 
Travel – Travel and transportations expenses of staff and volunteers. Includes local fares, gas and oil, repairs, insurance, leasing, tires, licenses and permits for company vehicles; mileage reimbursement and appropriate actual expenses of agency staff and volunteers; cost of hotels, meals and other expenses relative to travel and transportation of agency staff and volunteers. 
Communication - [Phone, Fax, Email] Expenses for all and any communication. 
Education, Conference/Training – Expenses of conducting meetings related to an organization’s activities including registration/enrollment fees incurred by an employee with attending an outside meeting.
Occupancy - Program funding only, includes rent, utilities, and janitorial and other maintenance services under contract. 
Other – Expenses not reportable in another account classification. Miscellaneous expenses should be itemized.