UWWC Grants

Youth Opportunity, Healthy Communitity, & Financial Security 

For the FY26 Community Grants, United Way of Will County is seeking innovative and impactful projects—both new and returning—that address critical community needs in the areas of Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, and Financial Security.  These grants aim to fund programs that promote equity, deliver effective solutions, and create sustainable outcomes.  By meeting immediate needs while fostering long-term stability, United Way is committed to driving meaningful change and building a stronger, more resilient community.

How to apply for a UWWC grant

We regret to inform you that the opportunity to apply for the United Way of Will County FY26 Community Impact Grant has closed for organizations that did not attend the mandatory training sessions.  As outlined in our application process, attendance at one of these sessions was a prerequisite for grant eligibility.

The mandatory orientations took place on January 15, 2025, and January 16, 2025, both conducted in person.  We appreciate your interest, but unfortunately, as the registration period has concluded, organizations that did not participate in the mandatory training are no longer eligible to apply for the FY26 Community Impact Grant.

We understand the importance of ensuring all organizations have a comprehensive understanding of our grant application process, and we encourage you to explore future opportunities.  If you would like to be notified when the registration opens for the FY27 Community Impact Grant next year, please let us know by emailing Loren Yaksich the Community Impact Director at loren@uwwill.org, and we will ensure your organization is on the notification list.

Online Grant Management Site: e-CImpact 

All grants are submitted through our online grant management system, e-CImpact.  This years grant portal will open on Monday, January 21, 2025, at 8:00 am and will close on Friday, February 14, 2025.  Once the portal closes, submissions cannot be accepted. View grant application key dates.

Eligibility Criteria/General Eligibility Fiscal Year 2026

The following criteria is required to receive UWWC funding:

1. Be a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization conducting health and human service programs that focus on economic mobility, education, and health & wellness for residents in Will County, IL.
2. Current copy of IRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt letter.
3. Copy of Corporations By-Laws.
4. Copy of organization State of IL Articles of Incorporation.
5. Active board of directors that meets with quorum at least quarterly.
6. Files Form 990 with the IRS and Form AG990 with the State of IL yearly.
7. Most recent submitted Copy of IRS Form 990 and IL Form AG990.
8. Submission of appropriate financial materials:
   Annual Revenue less than $300,000 = Compilation prepared by a CPA
   Annual Revenue greater than $300,000 but less than $499,999 = Financial Review prepared by and Independent CPA
   Annual Revenue greater than $500,000 = Financial Audit prepared by and Independent CPA
9. If organization has an affiliation to a religious institution, clients are not required to participate to participate to receive services.
10. Funds can’t be used for the funding of a capitol project.

United Way of Will County Grant Application Key Dates Fiscal Year 2026