For Grantseekers
United Way of Olmsted County is a community change organization that fights for the education, health, and financial stability of every person in our community. We work collaboratively with partners from many organizations and walks of life to create systems change and solutions that elevate our community more than any single program or organization could.
We fund programs that positively impact our community through our Building Blocks, Brighter Futures, and Thriving Communities initiatives. Read below to determine if our programs align with your organization’s work. You can learn more about our grant application process below.
United Way of Olmsted County is investing in programs that remove barriers for Olmsted County residents to access healthcare. Health Access grants will focus on improving access to areas of healthcare that our community has identified as high priority. These grants provide multi-year funding from July 2023-June 2026. To learn more about our partners, click here.
We're investing in programs that provide high-quality early childhood education and childcare, because positive early educational outcomes drive success later in life. Our Early Success grants provide grantees multiyear funding support to offer low or no-cost pre-K education. Learn more about our current partners here.
These grants provide multi-year funding from July 2023-June 2026.
United Way recognizes the need for stable, equitable access to nutritious food for all members of our community. We invest in traditional and innovative approaches to improving food security, including food shelves, site-based meal programs, and meal delivery. Our Food Security grants offer multiyear support for programs that provide the foundation of our community's food supports and help make food access equitable. Learn more about our current partners here.
Applications will open October 30 and close November 30, 2023. Please see our Request for Proposals for more information.
Nearly one quarter of Olmsted County families are cost burdened by housing. That’s why we invest in programs that promote housing stability through emergency housing supports, rent assistance and eviction prevention, and rapid rehousing programs. Learn more about our current partners here
Applications will open in Fall 2024.
Thriving Communities grants are designed to cultivate leaders and strengthens systems to ensure that Olmsted County is a place where all people can thrive, regardless of race or place. Some of our recent investments include Youth Empowerment grants Civic Engagement grants, Culturally Powered Communities, and neighborhood-based efforts like CERT Community Center and Meadow Park Initiative.
We periodically issue Requests for Proposals to meet specific needs within our Thriving Communities area.