How to Apply

Please submit an electronic version of your grant request to grants@unitedco.net

STEPS:

1. Cover Letter

• Purpose: Introduce your organization and summarize your funding request.
• Contents:
  • Organization name and brief description
  • Funding amount requested
  • How the funds will be used
  • Why your mission aligns with the funder’s goals
  • Contact information for follow-up
• Tip: Keep it to one page.

2. Contact Information

• Include:
  • Organization Name
  • Contact Person (Name and Title)
  • Phone Number
  • Email Address
  • Mailing Address
  • Website (if applicable)

3. Demonstration of Need

• Clearly state the requested funding amount.
• Explain how the funds will be used (e.g., program expenses, equipment, staffing, outreach).
• Provide supporting data or community impact statistics to justify the need.
• Describe the problem or gap your project addresses.

4. Specific Plans and Timetable of the Project

• Outline your project plan step by step.
• Include:
  • Key activities
  • Implementation timeline
  • Responsible parties
  • Measurable outcomes
• A simple Gantt chart or timeline can strengthen this section.

5. Description of Funding Plans (Current and Long-Term)

• Current Funding:
  • Existing grants
  • Donations
  • Earned revenue
• Long-Term Sustainability:
  • Future fundraising strategy
  • Diversified income streams
  • Partnerships or planned growth

6. Objectives and Background

• Background:
  • Brief history of the organization
  • Key achievements and milestones
• Objectives:
  • What you aim to accomplish with this specific project
  • How it aligns with your overall mission
  • Measurable goals (SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)

7. Mission Statement

• A clear, concise mission statement that reflects your organization’s purpose and guiding principles.

8. Financial Documentation

• Current Year-to-Date Financial Statement:
  • Shows your organization’s current financial position (revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities).
• Most Recent IRS Form 990:
  • Demonstrates transparency and financial accountability.
• Budget (Detailed):
  • Expense Budget: How funds will be allocated
  • Revenue Budget: All current and anticipated funding sources
  • Budget Narrative: Explains how budget figures were determined

9. Governance and Leadership

• List of Board of Directors and Key Personnel:
  • Names, titles, and relevant experience
  • Demonstrates credibility and capacity
• Highlight leadership strengths and experience relevant to project delivery.

10. IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter

• Provide a copy of your official IRS nonprofit tax-exempt status letter.
• This verifies eligibility for most grants.

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We typically serve the geographical regions of:

Bristol, VA  •  Bristol, TN  •  Southwest Virginia

 

ALL ABOVE INFORMATION MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN AUGUST 31 IN ORDER FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION TO BE CONSIDERED FOR A CONTRIBUTION. CONTRIBUTIONS ARE MADE ANNUALLY IN DECEMBER.

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**Please Note: Grants are not intended to become part of an organization's annual budget. Less than 10% of the organization's budget should be spent on administration. During the review process, a site visit will also be required.