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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

United Way of Central Maryland promotes equity, creates opportunity, and improves lives. Our 95 years of service to the people of Greater Baltimore have taught us what it takes to change our region for the better. We are proud to be a source of support, compassion, and hope for people who work hard but still can’t make ends meet. We strengthen families and communities by taking on systemic challenges and increasing access to basic needs - health, housing, economic advancement, education, and more. United Way’s grantmaking supports programs and initiatives in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard Counties.

 

2024 CHANGEMAKER CHALLENGE

 

Changemaker Challenge

 

The United Way of Central Maryland Changemaker Challenge is a social innovation competition to highlight and award ideas in Central Maryland - and applications are now open!

Finalists will be announced in mid-March, and each finalist will receive a $1,500 stipend for participation. More than $600,000 will be awarded to grantees, and each grantee will receive credit to create their own video and access to a one-stop entrepreneur community, The Lonely Entrepreneur. Click below to learn more and apply today!

Questions? Check out the informational session hosted by our Grants team

Applications close on February 20, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Applicants can apply in multiple locations. Previous applicants and grantees may apply. Visit each application page for details rules and additional information.

 


 

EVALUATOR - YOUNG MEN UNITED

United Way of Central Maryland (United Way) is seeking an independent evaluator to design and execute an evaluation of the implementation and impact of its new equity in education initiative, Young Men United (YMU), which is designed to support at least 250 young men of color with their educational and vocational dreams over the next nine years. 

YMU begins working with students in 10th grade and continues to support them (and their families) with a multi-layered system of supports through a post-secondary education pathway of their choosing – potentially spanning a relationship of up to seven years. United Way will work with other non-profit organizations/programs partners who will be responsible for delivering services directly to students and families while United Way will serve as the program coordinator and convener.

We will award one applicant up to $100,000 total, to serve as the evaluator of YMU for a three-year period, with a target start date of April 1, 2024. 

 

Application materials

Proposals must be submitted to United Way of Central Maryland by 4:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. Proposals must be submitted via email to: uwcmgrants@uwcm.org. Emails must include the subject line: “YMU Evaluator”. 

 

Application materials

YMU Evaluator Request for Proposals (RFP)

YMU Scope of Work

YMU Logic Model

 

Questions

Potential applicants may submit questions in writing to uwcmgrants@uwcm.org.  Questions must be submitted with the subject line “YMU Evaluator RFP Questions.” The deadline to submit questions is January 10.  Answers will be posted on or around January 17, 2024, on United Way’s website @ https://uwcm.org/funding-opportunities-for-organizations.

 


 

2024 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Community Arts Grant

Mayor's office of recovery programs Balt City

Mayor Brandon Scott and the City of Baltimore’s Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs are providing a significant investment of ARPA funds to support a diverse range of arts organizations through the 2024 ARPA Community Grant program. Administrative support provided by United Way of Central Maryland.

Eligible arts organizations, including those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, can apply to receive between $10,000 to $500,000 in funding to sustain and expand work to provide high-quality art experiences and activities that are accessible to all Baltimore City residents, especially those in underrepresented and marginalized communities. 

Arts organizations selected will receive funding for the period of April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2026. Applications must be submitted through our online grant application portal by Monday, December 18, 2023, 5:00 p.m. EST.

 

Request for Proposal (RFP)

To access United Way’s CommunityForce application portal, click here.

 

Application Support 

Click here for the 2024 ARPA Community Arts Grant Information Session Slides.

Click here for the recording of the information Session

Click here for Questions and Answers from the Information Session


2024 NEIGHBORHOOD GRANT 

The 2024 Neighborhood Grant is an opportunity for organizations with total annual operating budgets of $500,000 or less to receive $2,500 to $10,000 in funding to carry out community-centered projects that are resident-driven, connect community members, and create impact in Central Maryland. Eligible organizations can apply to implement projects that

  • Inspire Community Connections

  • Empower Local Leaders

  • Build Vibrant Neighborhoods

 

Community Partners selected through this application process will receive funding for the period of January 1, 2024 – October 31, 2024. Applications must be submitted through our online grant application portal, CommunityForce. Please download Request for Proposal (RFP), eligibility requirements, and application materials.(PDF)

For access to the application portal, click here.

 

Application Deadline 

The deadline for application submission is Monday, October 30, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. DST. 

 

Application Support 

2024 Neighborhood Grant Information Session: Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. via Zoom. Agencies wishing to apply are strongly encouraged to attend this session. 

View the Recording Click Here.

View the Information Session Powerpoint Click Here.

View FAQ Click Here.

 

PREVIOUS GRANT RECIPIENTS

The 2023 Neighborhood Grant program awarded more than $753,000 to 80 local organizations. Awardees linked below: 

Anne Arundel County 

Baltimore City 

Baltimore County

Carroll County 

Harford County 

Howard County

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR NON-PROFITS AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS