Community Impact Grants

River Valley United Way is looking to fund programs that align with our three Focus Areas of Education, Stability, and Health & Well-Being. The Arkansas River Valley region's problems are immense, and they need comprehensive solutions. United Way is looking for collaborative solutions that can make an impact today and build in the years to come. 

There is no one solution to solve the challenges every individual and household in our community faces. Our framework highlights the greatest ways organizations can comprehensively provide the best next steps for a person’s whole life: from birth to childhood to adulthood and beyond

River Valley United Way's Community Impact Grants support nonprofits serving in Pope, Johnson, and Yell Counties. 

We provide grants through a competitive proposal process to impactful organizations addressing our community’s interconnected challenges. All grant applications are assessed through a community-led review process in which dedicated volunteers evaluate and identify the local collaborations and approaches that can create a lasting transformation. If this sounds like your work, we encourage you to learn more below.

We aim to clearly communicate each aspect of the Community Investment Application process and, ultimately, to encourage organizations doing outstanding work to apply for funding. 

Our grants are awarded on a two-year cycle. The next application period will begin in the Spring of 2025. Sign up here to stay informed.

1. Submit Your Pre-Application Form

The Pre-Application Form serves as your “Intent to Apply.” With a scoring rubric designed to ensure alignment with our priorities and focus areas, this form collects basic information about your organization and the program for which you are seeking funding. After submission, forms are reviewed by trained volunteers and the RVUW Board of Directors. Aligned applicants will be invited to complete the full application.

2. Complete Your Application 

Staff support is available during scheduled office hours for questions and clarification.

3. Host a Site Visit

All applicants will host a volunteer panel at their program site or another appropriate location. Site visits typically include a program overview, facilities tour, presentation to volunteers, and a question-and-answer session.

4. Promote United Way’s Fundraising Campaign

All applicant organizations are encouraged to help spread the word about our annual fundraising campaign. Current grantees are required to actively promote both the campaign and their partnership with River Valley United Way. The more support we raise together, the more programs we can fund across our community!

5. Await Award Notification

After application reviews and site visits, funding recommendations are made by volunteers and approved by the RVUW Board of Directors. Thanks to our updated timeline, we’ll announce the total funding needs at our campaign kickoff in late August—giving the community a clear goal to rally around. Final award decisions are made in January, once we know how much was raised. All applicants will be notified whether or not they’ll receive funding, and award amounts will be announced at that time.

May 1, 2025
Pre-Application Opens— Form and guidance shared with nonprofits. Outreach and promotion begin.

May 30, 2025
Pre-Application Deadline— Submissions due by 11:59 PM. Internal review begins.

June 5, 2025
Notification to Apply—Eligible organizations invited to submit full applications. Brief feedback offered to those not selected.

June 6 – July 7, 2025
Full Application Window— Application portal open. Optional applicant support available.

July 14 - August 15, 2025
Site Visits—Reviewers conduct site visits with all applicants to ask questions and better understand each program.

August 16–22, 2025
Final Review & Funding Recommendations—Reviewers finalize scoring. Staff compiles total recommended funding needs.

Late August 2025
Campaign Kickoff & Community Announcement—RVUW announces total amount needed to fully fund volunteers’ funding recommendations. Fundraising campaign begins (runs through December 31, 2025).

Late August 2025
Applicant Status Notification—All applicants notified whether or not they will receive a grant (no dollar
amounts yet). Final awards dependent on campaign results.

January 2026
Award Amount Notification & Agreements—After pledge totals are known, final award amounts confirmed. Grant agreements and reporting timelines sent to recipients.