Investing in Results: FY 2015-2017 Funding Cycle
Frequently Asked Questions
United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ) believes that everyone is entitled to
a quality education, a family-sustaining income and good health. To that end UWGPSNJ uses its Impact Fund
to invest in our region, driving real, measurable change in the communities where we live, work and play.
UWGPSNJ is inviting qualified organizations to apply for funding through our FY15-17 Investing In Results
application process. Please use the frequently asked questions below as a tool to assist in understanding the
application process.
1. How can I learn more about United Way’s Funding priorities?
Please visit our website and view the Menu of Strategies using the following link.
http://www.unitedforimpact.org/agencies/impact-grant-investment-process. In addition to the Menu of Strategies,
this page includes Strategy Guidance letters which outline our funding priorities and information an organization will
be required to submit for each strategy .
2. How does UWGPSNJ’s regionalization affect this funding process and the grants awarded to
agencies?
UWGPSNJ’s regionalization will help agencies collaborate together to make lasting impact on the region
and our local community. We have created one funding application for the region; however, there are
local funding strategies and application reviewers to help ensure the unique needs of each community are
addressed. Application reviewers will not consider funds allotted to an organization in years prior. Funding
recommendations will be based on current local needs, UWs goals, and the funds we have available. For
more details about our merger, please visit our website at http://www.unitedforimpact.org.
3. Do previously funded or currently funded organizations of UWGPSNJ or any other local United Way
have an advantage?
No, previously funded or currently funded agencies of any United Way do not have an advantage in the
process. However, organizations that can demonstrate a history of successful program implementation are
more likely to be reviewed favorably. Funding decisions are based upon a transparent, objective, and
merit-based process to ensure funds are being invested in the appropriate organizations.
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4. How does organizational size affect ability to compete?
Organizational size is not a factor in evaluating applicants. Funding decisions will be based on alignment
with United Way priorities and ability to demonstrate concrete, measurable results.
5. How does an organization apply for funding?
Applications must be submitted online via UW’s extranet. All applicants are required to complete a
prequalification form prior to submitting the full funding application. The prequalification form will be
available to the public Monday, September 30, 2013 through Friday, October 11, 2013. The full application
will be available Monday, October 14, 2013 through Friday, November 15, 2013. For more information
please check our website.
6. Is there a maximum number of strategies for which an organization can apply?
No, organizations may apply to as many strategies and locations as they qualify. UWGPSNJ has created
one funding application so organizational level information will only need to be entered once and all other
information is entered based on the strategy.
7. Why are all strategies not available in all UWGPSNJ locations?
Strategy availability is based on UWGPSNJ’s goals in each location. We realize that each community has
unique needs and want to ensure our grants help address these needs appropriately.
8. Who reviews applications?
Applications are evaluated by a review panel comprised of Financial, Content, and Community Volunteers
as well as United Way staff. Volunteer reviewers are selected from academia and the public and private
sectors based upon their experience and knowledge in our focus areas. All reviewers are vetted for
conflicts of interest prior to being assigned to a panel. Throughout the review process, reviewers will
utilize an objective assessment tool to rate applications based on quality of services, alignment with
United Way’s funding priorities, and ability to demonstrate measurable results in their respective area of
focus.
9. How will grant amounts be determined?
Grant amounts will be determined based on the recommendations of the Local Operating Board (LOB) in
each UWGPSNJ locality. LOBs will consider the number of qualified applicants, local UW goals, and funds
available when determining grant amounts. If an organization is granted funds from multiple LOBs the
grant amounts will be combined to come up with the final annual grant amount. Organizations that
receive funding can expect a minimum grant of $5,000 if services are delivered in New Jersey and $20,000
in Pennsylvania with a maximum grant of $200,000 in either New Jersey and Pennsylvania. No organization
will receive more than $400,000 from UWGPSNJ.
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10. How and when are funding decisions communicated to organizations?
All available information regarding the funding decisions is provided to applying organizations via their
individual account on the UWGPSNJ extranet, which was created at the beginning of the application
process. We will let organizations know which strategy is being funded, which strategy is not being
funded, and the amount of funding. Organizations who do not receive funding in a particular priority area
are provided information as to why their application was not selected for funding. Funding decisions will
be made public in May 2014.
11. How does this process affect an organization’s eligibility for donor designations?
This funding opportunity has no direct relationship to United Way’s Donor Choice program. Even if an organization
is not selected to receive an Impact Grant from United Way it still may be eligible for participation in the Donor
Choice program. United Way’s requirements under the Donor Choice program are that organizations must be a
501(c)(3) health and human service organization located in or providing services in PA, NJ, or DE. The organization
must also be compliant under the United States Patriot Act. For more information on eligibility, please see our
website http://www.unitedforimpact.org/agencies/donor-choice-agency-application. Participating in the donor
choice structure has no influence on funding decisions and thus all agencies who meet the requirements for the
strategy may apply for funding.
12. Who do I contact if we have more questions?
UWGPSNJ is here to help with any questions or concerns so please contact us at
[email protected] or 1-866-636-8673. All calls and/or emails will be directed to a colleague in
the appropriate regional office and will be answered within two business days.
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