2023-2024 Call for Applications for Basic Needs (Illinois)

United Way of Northwest Illinois (UWNI) announces availability of funding for the one-year period of July 2023- June 2024.

Donor Name: United Way of Northwest Illinois

State: Illinois

County: Carroll County (IL), Jo Daviess County (IL) and Stephenson County (IL)

Type of Grant: Grant

Deadline: 02/28/2023

Grant Duration: 1 year

Details:

This Request for Proposal (RFP) describes United Way of Northwest Illinois’ (UWNI) grant-making program, in support of short-term Basic Needs. These grants will support programs and services that provide temporary and short-term food and shelter, to stabilize those individuals and families faced with barriers in being able to meet their immediate needs due to loss of employment, housing, domestic violence, etc.

UWNI recognizes that when an individual is unable to meet their basic needs, it becomes more difficult to focus on long-term goals such as education, employment or housing. United Way of Northwest Illinois wishes to assist those in need with services and assistance through local agencies and programs to bring back the stability they need to get back on track. Organizations should not approach this application with the expectation of ongoing annual operating support.

Basic Needs Grants Support the Following Services

  • Shelter
    • UWNI funds will be used to fund qualifying organizations that provide direct short-term shelter focused on moving individuals and families who are homeless to shelter within the UWNI covered area or that indirectly through information and referral enhance access to short-term shelter. This may include, but is not limited to, individuals or families who are homeless because of financial hardship, and survivors of domestic violence.
  • Food
    • UWNI seeks to reduce food insecurity by supporting programs that indirectly through information and referral enhance access to short-term food assistance or directly assist clients who are in need of food assistance due to economic hardship or isolation (homebound), and move them to food security. This will include food pantries, meal services, and assistance with completing SNAP applications.
  • Units of Service
    • Funds through United Way of Northwest Illinois Basic Needs Program are expected to help maintain the amount of people that you currently serve or to provide additional services to people you currently assist. UWNI evaluates your performance by using Units of Service that you will provide as well as the collaborations formed and utilized to move individuals toward stability.

Grant Period

  • Grants will be for a 12-month period beginning July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for funding, an organization must meet the following criteria:

  • Must have offices and operations based in and serve the residents of Stephenson, Jo Daviess or Carroll County.
  • Must collaborate with for UWNI’s Community Impact for initiatives in Education, Financial Stability, or Health. The applying organization must investigate if the program fits into a UWNI CI Initiative and exhaust these avenues prior to applying for Basic Needs dollars.
  • Legally incorporated as a municipality or not-for-profit charitable organization under section 501c (3) of the Internal Revenue code and in good standing pursuant to the requirements of M.G.L. c. 12, s. 8E and 8F; or operating under the fiscal sponsorship of a tax-exempt nonprofit organization in good standing pursuant to the requirements of M.G.L. c. 12, s. 8E and 8F with a Memorandum of Understanding, or equivalent agreement, in full force and effect.
  • Is financially stable with no adverse opinions.
  • According to the NWIL guidelines for financial reporting, you must submit a current financial audit, an accountant approved financial review, or IRS 990 form from the previous fiscal year. An agency without current financial reports will not be funded
  • Have an uncompensated and actively engaged board of directors; a minimum level of board attendance is required and defined as no less than 65% of regularly scheduled board meetings to meet the required quorum under the organization’s by-laws
  • Have an affirmative action policy and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, or gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin or disability.
  • Comply with all federal and state laws and regulations concerning anti-terrorism activities
  • All reports for other UWNI-funded programs must be up-to-date.

For more information, visit UWNI.