Grant Making
EVERY YEAR, we open our grant applications to established nonprofits in Blount County. One-year or three-year grants are awarded to specific programs and must be used to serve the most vulnerable in Blount County.
All funding decisions are made by a diverse group of volunteer grant reviewers representing all sectors of our community – from bankers to nonprofit professionals, realtors to government employees, young professionals to retirees – to ensure funds are allocated thoughtfully.
- Grant Applications
- UWBC Staff Review Eligibility
- Volunteer Allocation Panels Review & Make Funding Recommendations
- Volunteer Board of Directors Vote on Final Funding Decision
- UWBC Staff Notify Applicants
Interested in becoming an allocation volunteer? Email Sarah at sjurinsky@unitedwayblount.org.
Impact Areas
United Way of Blount County awards funding in 4 impact areas:
- Healthy Community Improving health and well-being for all
- Youth Opportunity Helping young people realize their full potential
- Financial Security Creating a stronger financial future for every generation
- Community Resiliency Addressing urgent needs today for a better tomorrow
Eligibility
- UWBC Community Partner
- 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
- Board of Directors meets at least quarterly
- At least 1 Blount County community member on Board of Directors
- Must have an audited financial statement or external financial review dated within the last 3 years
- Services cannot be provided in discriminatory manner
Timeline
- December: Grant Applications Due
- January & February: Allocation Panels & Presentations
- February: Grant Applicants Notified of Decisions
Previous Funding Channels
Breaking Down Barriers
- The purpose of this one-time funding is to support nonprofits as they break down barriers to accessing their services. The grants will be used to take tangible action to expand and improve service delivery to Blount County community members.
- Last awarded in Fall 2025
- Currently closed
Discretionary Funding
- The purpose of this one-time funding is decided by the volunteer Community Impact Committee based on the needs of the community. This funding channel opens if there are available funds after the annual grantmaking process.
- Last awarded in Fall 2024
- Currently closed
Interested in learning more about United Way of Blount County’s grantmaking process or becoming a UWBC Community Partner? Email Sarah at sjurinsky@unitedwayblount.org.
