After six years, United Way of Greater Toledo (UWGT) will be re-opening its community grant application, as the organization seeks to provide funding to local programs working in the areas of education, financial stability, health and housing.

Until Jan. 8, 2021, community-based entities can apply for monetary funding over a three-year period. All information on the application, process and qualifications can be found at www.UnitedWayToledo.org/Grant.

“The human services landscape has certainly changed over the last few years. Especially this year, as COVID-19 continues to alter the way in which our sector meets overwhelming needs,” said Jill Bunge, director of community impact at UWGT.

“Our volunteers are very excited to provide long-term financial support to local organizations doing really powerful work,” said Bunge.

The application link above is exclusive to establishments in Lucas County, whereas different community grant applications for Ottawa and Wood County will be available on Dec. 1, closing on Jan. 31, 2021. Details on those will be shared at a later time.

“I am continuously amazed by the efforts of our current partners to serve those in need. With their help, over the last six years, we have accomplished and hit some remarkable milestones,” said Wendy Pestrue, president and CEO of UWGT.

From 2015 to 2020, UWGT invested over $20 million in key community strategies such as student success, basic needs, school readiness and healthy lifestyles. In that same timeframe, more than 400,000 individuals were served by UWGT supported services. This does not include those who have been helped through United Way 2-1-1, a free, 24/7, 365-day health and human service resource.

“Seeking out new partnerships is our way of asking ‘how can we be better?’ We improve by learning about new programs, by analyzing current programs that have worked, or by listening to how programs want to re-tool themselves to meet emerging needs,” said Pestrue.

The number of grantees awarded, and types of programs funded, will be determined by a collection of volunteers, known as the Collaborative Impact Cabinet. For this special opportunity, UWGT will be welcoming additional community reviewers, with varying life experiences, who will also help inform all final funding decisions.