UNITED WAY OF FREEBORN COUNTY: FOCUSING FOR GREATER IMPACT
Strategic Shifts in Grantmaking:
In 2024, United Way Worldwide introduced new Impact Areas to guide community transformation. United Way of Freeborn County is aligning with this framework while tailoring it to local needs. This replaces our previous pillars of Health, Education & Income—an important shift that brings greater clarity and focus to our work. The 2026 Grant Cycle reflects these changes. Read on below for information about where funding dollars are spent.
UNITED WAY IMPACT AREAS
- Youth Opportunity: Every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential. United Way supports programming that clears the path to success, from early childhood to college and career readiness.
- Healthy Community: United Way supports programs that connect our neighbors to resources they need to lead healthy lives. Health education, nutritious food, quality care and access to that care are vital for the overall health of our community.
- Financial Security: Building independence through financial security looks like many things. Connecting community members to education, financial education and coaching, United Way supports programming to help our communities thrive. Financial Security also looks like ensuring access to public benefits, homeless prevention programs, affordable housing programs and homeownership.
- Community Resiliency: United Way engages local leaders and neighbors to build stronger communities. Your local United Way is engaged in working to educate our nonprofits, provide infrastructure for stability in nonprofits, and provide tools such as 2-1-1, ensuring that learning where to go for help is just a call away.
LOCAL IMPACT STRATEGY
As part of our commitment to responsible stewardship of donor dollars, United Way of Freeborn County is reassessing how we invest locally. We recognize the strong work already happening across our nonprofit community, while also identifying opportunities to strengthen grant readiness, operations, and data-informed practices.
Our goal is to support long-term sustainability and encourage program models aligned with best practices.
What’s Changing
• No 2025 Grant Cycle – Paused to strengthen the process
• 2026 Relaunch – Multiple competitive cycles aligned to individual Impact Areas
• Grant Readiness & Interest Survey – Required for all organizations seeking 2026 funding, regardless of grant cycle. Due by noon on April 20, 2026.
• 2025 Funds Rolled Forward – Increasing the 2026 grant pool
• More Focused Investments – Fewer, higher-impact grants to drive measurable outcomes
2026 Grant Application Status
The Grant Readiness & Interest Survey closed on April 20, 2026. United Way of Freeborn County reviewed all submitted surveys, and organizations that met the eligibility requirements were invited to apply for 2026 funding.
Only organizations that completed the survey by the deadline were considered for an invitation. Organizations that did not submit the survey are not eligible to apply during the 2026 grant cycle. We are unable to accept late surveys, unsolicited applications or additional requests for consideration.
An invitation to apply does not guarantee funding. Invited organizations will receive application instructions and deadlines directly from United Way of Freeborn County.
There are no additional opportunities to apply for 2026 funding. Future grant opportunities and updates will be posted on this page as they become available.
To maintain a fair and consistent process, please do not contact board members or volunteers regarding grant eligibility, application decisions or timing. All public updates will be shared on this page.
Invited to Apply?
Complete the 2026 Community Impact Grant Application by noon on September 21st, 2026.
Instructions to complete the application were sent to the primary contact noted on the Grant Readiness & Interest Survey. If that contact has changed, please contact grants@unitedwayfc.org