Applying for Foundation Support
There is no formal grant application form. To apply for funding from The United Company Foundation, please prepare a written grant request that includes all of the information outlined below.
Applicants must submit an electronic version of their request and mail a hard copy to the Foundation.
Submit Your Grant Request
Please submit an electronic version of your grant request by email and mail a hard copy to the address provided below.
01 — Electronic Submission
Email your completed grant request and supporting documents to:
Email Grant Request02 — Hard Copy Submission
Mail a printed copy of your grant request and supporting documents to:
The United Company FoundationATTN: Grant Application
1005 Glenway Avenue
Bristol, VA 24201
August 31
All required information must be received no later than August 31 for your organization to be considered for a contribution. Contributions are made annually in December.
Grant Request Requirements
Please include each of the following ten sections in your written grant request.
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
- Disclosure of any pending or previously fulfilled sponsorship requests made to The United Company and Hard Rock Bristol
Contact Information
Include complete contact information for your organization.
- Organization name
- Contact person (name and title)
- Phone number
- Email address
- Mailing address
- Website (if applicable)
Demonstration of Need
Explain the need for the requested funding and how your project will make an impact.
- 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.
Specific Plans & Project Timetable
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.
Current & Long-Term Funding Plans
Current Funding:
- Existing grants
- Donations
- Earned revenue
Long-Term Sustainability:
- Future fundraising strategy
- Diversified income streams
- Partnerships or planned growth
Objectives & Background
Background:
- Brief history of the organization
- Key achievements and milestones
Objectives:
- What you aim to accomplish with this specific project
- How the project aligns with your overall mission
- Measurable goals using SMART objectives: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound
Mission Statement
Include a clear, concise mission statement that reflects your organization's purpose and guiding principles.
Financial Documentation
Current Year-to-Date Financial Statement:
- Shows your organization's current financial position, including revenues, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
Most Recent IRS Form 990:
- Demonstrates transparency and financial accountability.
Detailed Budget:
- Expense Budget: How funds will be allocated
- Revenue Budget: All current and anticipated funding sources
- Budget Narrative: Explains how budget figures were determined
Governance & Leadership
List of Board of Directors and Key Personnel:
- Names, titles, and relevant experience
- Information demonstrating organizational credibility and capacity
Highlight leadership strengths and experience relevant to successful project delivery.
IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter
Provide a copy of your organization's official IRS nonprofit tax-exempt status letter.
This documentation verifies eligibility for most grants.
Communities We Serve
The United Company Foundation typically serves organizations in the following geographic regions:
Additional Grant Guidelines
- Annual Budget: Grants are not intended to become part of an organization's annual budget.
- Administrative Expenses: Less than 10% of the organization's budget should be spent on administration.
- Site Visit: During the review process, a site visit will be required.
- Sponsorship Disclosure: Applicants must disclose any pending or previously fulfilled sponsorship requests made to The United Company and Hard Rock Bristol.