Existing, budding working groups encouraged to apply
NEW ORLEANS – United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) Wednesday opened the application period for its second cycle of collaborative grant funding to foster systems-level change across the region.
UWSELA designed the grants in alignment with its Blueprint for Prosperity to support groups of relevant stakeholders taking a collaborative approach to addressing the complex interplay of the local symptoms and drivers of poverty.
“United Way’s mission to end poverty isn’t just bold; it’s a call to action,” said Michael Williamson, UWSELA CEO and President. “We’re not here to chip away at problems. We’re fueling lasting, systemic change to tackle the big, complex issues plaguing our communities. This grant opportunity aims to ignite cross-sector collaborations that dive deep, hit at the root of poverty, and pave the way for a stronger Southeast Louisiana for every person, everywhere.”
Eligible collaboratives must support a group of organizations and stakeholders taking a unified approach to systems change. The grants may be used for:
Planning: Up to $25,000 in funding to help collaboratives come together to create a steering committee, common agenda and working groups.
Infrastructure-Backbone: Up to $50,000 in funding to support backbone organizations or functions.
Infrastructure-Shared Measurement: Up to $50,000 in funding to support shared measurement systems.
Implementation: Up to $100,000 in funding to support systems-change strategies developed by working groups.
Continuous Improvement: Up to $50,000 in funding to conduct evaluations.
UWSELA seeks grant requests across five priority areas aligned with our Blueprint’s prosperity outcomes. Proposals must focus on one or more of our four outcomes and five priority areas and align with the Blueprint’s guiding principles. Note preference will be given to collaborations addressing the priority areas in each parish.
BLUEPRINT OUTCOMES
- Stability Today
- Prosperity Tomorrow
- Personal Wellness
- Vibrant Communities
PRIORITY AREAS
- Youth Development
- Mental Health
- Financial Empowerment
- Access to Resources
- Coordinating & Convening
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
- Connectivity
- Equity
- Lived Experience
- Long-Term Commitment
- Shared Responsibility
- Systems Change
Collaboratives located in UWSELA’s seven-parish region – including Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes – are encouraged to apply.
UWSELA is offering two free training sessions in November to provide additional education on the collaborative grants process. Additional details and registration will be available online at UnitedWaySELA.org/GrantOpportunities.
Visit UnitedWaySELA.org/GrantOpportunities to access the application and full list of eligibility requirements. The application process closes at 11:59 p.m. CST on Jan. 5, 2024.
An expert-led volunteer committee will review submissions, invite finalists for presentations, and make final recommendations for approval to the UWSELA Board of Trustees by June 2024. The three-year grant funding will begin in July 2024 and end in June 2027.
Please contact Grants@UnitedWaySELA.org with questions on qualifying collaborations and/or the application process.
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About United Way of Southeast Louisiana
For nearly 100 years, United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) has been a leader and trusted partner in improving lives and making a lasting difference. We fight to eradicate poverty by preparing people for quality jobs, growing incomes, and affording better health and education opportunities throughout Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes. We have a bold vision of equitable communities where all individuals are healthy, educated, and financially stable – and we have a plan. United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s Blueprint for Prosperity guides all strategic investments in programs, initiatives, collaborations, volunteerism, and advocacy aimed at tackling poverty. For more information, please visit UnitedWaySELA.org. Find us on social: @UnitedWaySELA.