United Way of Merced County
2012 Community Investment Allocation
ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION GUIDELINES

ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY

• Agencies providing health and human service programs
• Organizations that provide services in Merced County
• Non-profit organizations – 501 (c) (3) status or other tax exempt status
• We will consider applications for funding programs of schools and governmental organizations, as long as they are specific and discreet programs/projects and not eligible for tax funding.
• We will accept new or existing programs, as long as they meet our criteria.

FUNDING PRIORITIES FOR 2012

We will consider applications for programs that meet any of the following. Please note: Funding is provided for specific programs, not overall operations.

1. Improving Financial Stability and Self-Sufficiency – enhancing individuals’ financial stability, education and vocational skills to improve their employability and create opportunities for self-sufficiency. Includes providing food, clothing, etc. to sustain individuals until they get back on their feet.
   
2. Helping Youth Succeed – preparing children and youth to become responsible adults who are emotionally, cognitively and physically prepared to succeed in school, work and their community.
   
3. Promoting Individual and Family Health /Wellness and Adult Independence –improve access to physical and mental health services, help individuals find support, maintain independence, and live with disabilities.

PROGRAMS MORE LIKELY TO BE FUNDED WILL:

• Address significant health and human service needs in the county
• Benefit a number of people
• Deliver services efficiently and cost-effectively
• Encourage self-reliance
• Focus on prevention
• Avoid duplication of services
• Enhance cooperation and collaboration among organizations

WHAT WE DO NOT FUND

• Incomplete applications
• Failure to attend mandatory workshop
• More than one program per agency.
• Programs who do not receive approval from 2/3 of the funding committee.
• Political campaigns
• Faith based programs (we will fund a program of a religious organization as long as the program doesn't include religious activities and is open to all)
• Animal and other non-human service programs
• Loan payments or deficit spending
• Services normally supported by tax dollars
• Capital campaigns for buildings, etc. We may fund program-related equipment.

TIMELINE

Download Letter of Intent (MS Word)