How We Support Community Non-Profit Organizations
Community Impact grants are how we invest local dollars in our community to address specific community-centered issues. Funding decisions are made through an annual competitive grant process. Applications are reviewed, evaluated and discussed by committees of local community volunteers who then recommend the grant awards to the United Way of Washington County Board of Directors. For FY26 (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026), high performing nonprofits will be awarded one year of grant funding up to $20,000.
Annual Community Impact Grants
Your United Way of Washington County, MD supports a network of local human service programs that address community needs in a primarily collaborative manner. Funds raised are invested to improve the quality of life in Washington County. All donations made here, stay here! Our Community Impact grants invest in high performing nonprofit organizations providing programs and services aligned with our four strategic priority areas of Health, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency.
Who We Fund
Your United Way's ability to raise funds in Washington County is essential to our community's success. In doing so, agencies can focus on what they do best-helping our neighbors! 100% of our annual Community Impact funding comes from your gifts and donations. That's why we ensure that all organizations funded through the annual grants are fully vetted and meet the following standards:
- Grant funding must serve Washington County residents
- Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
- Practice non-discrimination
- Provide a copy of their third-party financial audit and most recent IRS Form 990. Smaller organizations may provide their Form 990 and a third-party profit/loss statement.
- Must be in "Good Standing" with the State of MD Department of Assessments & Taxation.
- Have a "current" registration status with the Office of the Secretary of State Charities Registration. (per MD Solicitations Act - For more info, click here)
Grant Details
United Way of Washington County works with local non-profits to provide real solutions to community needs.
Where there's a community need, there's a United Way. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we connect people to possibility! United Way mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive.
Healthy Community - Improving health and well-being for all.
- Maternal & Child Health
- Nutrition & Food Security
- Healthy Spaces & Physical Activity
- Chronic and Infectious Disease Awareness & Prevention
- Mental Health Support
- Substance Misuse Recovery & Prevention
Youth Opportunity - Helping young people realize their full potential.
- Childcare & Early Childhood Education
- In-school, Afterschool, & Summer Learning
- College & Career Readiness
- Family Engagement
- Literacy Development
Financial Security - Creating a stronger financial future for every generation.
- Adult Education, Job Training, & Career Pathways
- Financial Education & Coaching
- Homelessness Prevention, Affordable Housing, & Homeownership
- Small Business Support
- Public Benefits Access
Community Resiliency - Addressing urgent needs today and advancing a better tomorrow.
- Crisis Hotline & Support
- Emergency Preparedness
- Disaster Relief & Recovery
- Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability
To qualify, the program or collaborative must:
- Provide services to Washington County, MD residents.
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in good standing (relevant to all program partners).
- Have a "current" registration with the Office of the Secretary of State per the Maryland Solicitations Act, Business Regulation §§ 6-401-6-417, Annotated Code of Maryland.
- Organization must be in "Good Standing" status with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.
- Submit a third-party financial report from within the last two years. (Smaller agencies may provide a third-party profit/loss statement)
- Provide signed support letters from all agencies' board of directors.
- Submit most recent IRS Form 990.
- Focus on one of four impact areas: Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, or Community Resiliency.
- Maximum grant request of $20,000 per program or collaborative.
- One application per organization/non-profit.
The Community Impact Grant application window is open annually for thirty days from February to early March.
For fiscal year 26, funding will be available for the following categories: Health Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency.
To ensure equity in distribution of grant funding, only one application per organization will be accepted and the grant award maximum is $20,000.
Applicants must attend or view the recording of the Annual Grant Applicant informational session in its entirety prior to submission of application.
Documents and Links:
- Full Application Form
- Counterterrorism Form
- Grant Budget Template
- Grant Review Process Timeline