Grant Applications

Community Impact Grant Opportunities

Guidelines 

United Way of Odessa partners with local nonprofit agencies that align with our mission to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community to advance the common good. 


To be eligible for funding, applicants must serve within one or more of our key focus areas:

  • Healthy Community

  • Youth Opportunity

  • Financial Stability

  • Community Resiliency

Our primary focus is on the ALICE population—individuals and families who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed. These community members work hard yet struggle to make ends meet, often living paycheck to paycheck and just one unexpected expense away from financial crisis. This group also includes those living at or below the poverty line.

 

Who Can Apply: Non-profit organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified and serve the United Way of Odessa geographic service area.

Application Window: March 1 - March 31, 2026

Funding Cycles:

  • Healthy Community, Financial Security, Youth Opportunity, Community Resiliency: Annual grant (reapply each year)

Reporting Requirements: Accountability and transparency are central to our partnerships. To be eligible for membership with United Way Community Partners / Member Agencies, organizations must meet the following requirements.

Membership Eligibility Checklist:

  • 501(c)(3) status: Current, valid determination letter.
  • Mission statement: Written mission and general goals that focus on human services within the United Way of Odessa geographic service area.
  • Local governance: A localized Board of Directors.
  • Governing documents: Constitution or bylaws that clearly define the agency’s objectives, responsibilities, authority, and the duties of its governing body.
  • Community need: Programs must deliver human services that address a genuine community need.
  • Financial transparency: Most recent Form 990 and an annual audit.
  • Operational history: Agency must have been in continuous operation for at least two years at the time of application.

 

Ready to Apply?