The Cape and Islands United Way is committed to improving lives, strengthening communities, and creating lasting change on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. We accomplish this by grant partnerships with local agencies and nonprofit organizations to ensure a robust continuum of services and support. To that end, this funding announcement is for our larger Community Impact grants that range from $5,000 to $30,000.
Cape and Islands United Way has three other active funding processes, so interested organizations should first be sure that you are making the best choice of funding for your needs. The other funding programs are:
Micro-grants- One time funding opportunities of up to $5,000 to support and encourage local volunteer projects.
Community Relief Fund grants- Funding given to organizations that are in immediate need due to economic constraints.
Women United Fund grants- A pillar of our organization that focuses on the well-being of women and children through programs that focus on health, literacy, and self-sufficiency.
For more information on all 3 of these options, go to capeandislandsuw.org
This year the Cape and Islands United Way will continue to use a two-step grant application process that starts with a Letter of Intent followed by a full grant application if invited to apply. If you wish to be considered, please submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by November 29, 2021. A grants management platform will be used to accept Letters of Intent electronically at https://www.capeandislandsuw.org/2022grants. Through this link, additional information is available about the grant process and how to submit the Letter of Intent and, if invited, the full Grant Application. Paperwork will no longer be accepted via mail or email. Notifications about the status of LOIs and grant applications will also be administered through this online system.
Questions should be directed to the Community Impact and Administrative Manager, Jackie Barber at jbarber@uwcapecod.org.
General Information for Letters of Intent
Agencies submitting a Letter of Intent should briefly, clearly, and succinctly address the areas noted below. The LOI should be a ‘snapshot’ of the program, making the case that the program is an effective use of the funds and will impact one of the four focus areas of Health, Education, Financial Stability and Basic Needs, or Housing. Organizations, either on their own or jointly with another non-profit entity, may submit one LOI per grant cycle.
Areas addressed in the LOI:
Agency Description
Program Alignment with the Results Framework
Program Goals
Program Description
Funding Request and Justification
Please note: The Letter of Intent must be accepted by the United Way to be invited to submit a full grant application. The grant application asks organizations to go deeper in their program description, goals, and outcomes/results as well as to provide a full budget with all sources of funding.
LOI review process
Letters of Intent will be reviewed by members of the Community Impact Teams and scored against the LOI Scoring Rubric.
Current Cape and Islands United Way grantees must be in good standing (e.g., all required reports and activities are completed) with the United Way to be eligible to submit a grant application.
Organizations can expect to be notified of the status of the LOI by January 24, 2022.
Only organizations with accepted LOIs have access to the full grant application process.
Parameters for funding
The focus for the 2022-2023 grant cycle is in four priority areas: Health, Education, Financial Stability and Housing.
Given the uncertainty of Covid and its impact, grants for this cycle will be awarded for one year with funding starting in September 2021. Our hope is to return to a two-year cycle once conditions are stabilized.
Requirements of a Funded Partner
Funded partners of the Cape and Islands United Way in 2022 will be required to submit an annual and final report with a deadline of March 15, 2023.
Partners are also required to join the Director of Community Impact and/or members of an Impact Team for a site visit. The site visit is an opportunity to review the progress made on the grant funded program, review financial records, and discuss any challenges, barriers, or successes within the program. The site visit usually occurs in October or November of the grant year.
Finally, funded partners are required to share stories, pictures and volunteer opportunities with the Cape and Islands United Way. We use these to promote the program, in donor relations and in other ways within the community.
Important Dates
November 29, 2021 - Letters of Intent due
January 24, 2022 - Notification of LOI status
March 4, 2022 - Grant applications due
Mid-May 2022 - Agencies receive notification of awards
Late May 2022 (or early Fall) - Reception for Grantees
July 2022 - Grant Cycle begins
September 2022 - 1st quarterly payment is released