The 2026 Grant Applications for United Way of South Central Tennessee will open February 10.
The United Way of South Central Tennessee is committed to improving lives by advancing opportunities for education, health, and financial stability for all. Through our annual Community Investment Grants, we award funds to nonprofit organizations serving across our 7-county region - Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, Lincoln, Moore, Rutherford, and Warren Counties. Our grantmaking focuses on supporting programs that serve ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families and improve their long-term stability and ability to thrive. By investing in evidence-based programs and collaborative approaches, we work alongside our nonprofit partners to create lasting change across South Central Tennessee.
UWSCTN will award grants in three programs in 2026:
- Community Investment Grants - Funding $10,000+ for significant impact
- Opportunity Grants - Accessible funding under $10,000
- Thriving Community Collaborative Grants - Place-Based Services at the Resource Center at Mitchell-Neilson
Click the menu items below for information about each program.
2026 Timeline
- February 10 All Grant Applications open
- February 11, 2 pm Virtual Information Session (Register Here)
- March 2 Intent to Apply Deadline (Intent to Apply form here)
- March 10 All Grant Applications close
- Mid-June Award notifications
- July 1 Funding cycle begins
Please contact Ella Weaver, ella.weaver@yourlocaluw.org, with questions.
Get Involved as a Volunteer Grant Reviewer
We're excited to introduce a new opportunity for community members to support our grantmaking process as volunteer grant reviewers! Volunteer reviewers play a critical role in amplifying diverse perspectives and supporting programs that address real needs across our seven counties: Rutherford, Cannon, Bedford, Lincoln, Coffee, Moore, and Warren.
Click the menu below for more information.
Grant Application Information
Application is now available. All applications are due on March 10.
The Community Investment and Opportunity Grants Application is available on Jotform. For complete information, view the Community Investment and Opportunity Grants Guide.
United Way of South Central Tennessee offers two grant programs to support nonprofits serving ALICE families across our seven-county region. Organizations may apply for funding that best fits their program scope and budget.
Community Investment Grants
Funding Level: $10,000 or more (average award in 2025: $26,000)
Community Investment Grants support established or new program with significant impact potential. These grants require a comprehensive application including organizational background, detailed program narrative, evidence of success or alignment with best practices, and a robust evaluation plan with shared measurements.
Best suited for: Program with larger budgets, proven track records, and comprehensive data collection systems.
Opportunity Grants
Funding Level: Up to $9,999 (average award in 2025: $3,000)
Opportunity Grants provide funding for smaller-scale programs addressing critical needs in our community. The streamlined application focuses on program description, ALICE alignment, budget, and basic goals and outcomes.
Best suited for: Programs with smaller budgets, emerging initiatives, or organizations seeking to pilot new approaches.
Funding Priorities
In 2026, United Way is sharpening our focus to center on ALICE households; families who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed. These working families earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to afford basic necessities like housing, childcare, food, healthcare, transportation, and utilities.
United Way prioritizes programs that:
- Demonstrate strong collaborative partnerships
- Address clear gaps in services across our region
- Serve ALICE households with evidence-based approaches that build long-term stability and ability to thrive
Helpful Links
Community Investment and Opportunity Grants Guide (updated 2.10.26)
Giving Matters Nonprofit Resource Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Coming soon.
Application is now available. All applications are due on March 10.
Creating a network of collaborative services in the Mitchell-Neilson neighborhood that demonstrates the power of coordinated support to help ALICE families thrive. The Thriving Community Grant Application is available on Jotform. For complete information, view the Thriving Community Collaborative Grants Guide.
Thriving Community Collaborative Grants fund innovative services delivered at the Resource Center at Mitchell-Neilson Elementary that work in coordination with United Way staff and other funded partners. Unlike traditional grants where organizations work independently, these grants create a collaborative network of services addressing multiple barriers ALICE families face and require quarterly coordination meetings, shared data collection, and a commitment to working together.
Grant Overview
United Way's Resource Center at Mitchell-Neilson provides family support coordination and employment coaching through our Launch Point program. We're seeking innovative programming that complements these foundational services and addresses gaps in the neighborhood. All services must be delivered on-site at the Resource Center at Mitchell-Neilson Elementary and demonstrate how they will coordinate with existing services and other funded partners.
Funding Amount: $5,000-$20,000
Grant Period: 1-year grants (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027)
Eligibility:
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
- Organizations must demonstrate capacity to deliver services on-site at the Resource Center at Mitchell-Neilson Elementary
- Programs must serve families in the Mitchell-Neilson neighborhood
- New and existing programs welcome to apply
Requirements:
- All services must be delivered on-site at the Resource Center at Mitchell-Neilson Elementary
- Participation in quarterly coordination meetings with United Way staff and other grant recipients
- Commitment to collaborative service delivery and coordination with existing Resource Center programs
- Participation in developing shared measurements and data collection processes after awards are made
- Willingness to share information and coordinate services with other providers serving the same families
Helpful Links
Thriving Community Collaborative Grants Guide (updated 2.10.26)
Giving Matters Nonprofit Resource Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Coming soon.
Reviewers participate in a structured process, including training and application reviews, contributing approximately 10-12 hours of their time during the review cycle. Your feedback will inform funding decisions made by our Community Impact Committee, helping ensure thoughtful, equitable investments in programs serving ALICE families. By joining us as a grant reviewer, you can help drive meaningful change while gaining a deeper understanding of the needs and opportunities in our community.
Volunteer Commitments & Expectations
- Attend one virtual training session in March
- Evaluate approximately 8-10 grant applications using a provided scoring rubric
- Submit scores and written feedback for each application by the assigned deadline
- Commit to acting in an ethical manner (disclose conflicts of interest, evaluate applications objectively and without bias)
- Overall time commitment of 10-12 hours total
Benefits of Volunteering
- Gain a deeper understanding of key issues facing ALICE families and nonprofits across our region
- Develop skills in program evaluation, budget analysis, and constructive written feedback
- Connect with a network of people who share your commitment to building thriving communities in South Central Tennessee
- Apply your expertise and passions to drive meaningful impact in our community
Please submit the Volunteer Grant Reviewer Application by Friday, March 6.
Questions? Reach out to eva.smith@yourlocaluw.org.