CATALYST FUND
GuidelinesUnited Way of the Mid-South (UWMS) is interested in catalyzing new, innovative, research-informed and partnership-focused solutions that will improve the lives of Mid-Southerners.
The UWMS Catalyst Fund supports promising strategies for social impact, with priority given to those efforts led by a non-profit agency in collaboration with other non-profits or organizational entities. Funded initiatives will:
- strategically align investments and efforts;
- implement successful, promising, and/or innovative solutions in one or more of the areas of education, health improvement or financial stability/poverty reduction;
- focus on long-term solutions addressing important community issues.
FUNDING LEVEL
- Grants will range from $20,000-$100,000
- Grants are for one year and are considered one-time funding
- Successful initiatives may reapply for continued funding for one additional year
ELIGIBILITY
Proposals will be accepted from:
- a non-profit, 501(c)(3) entity which will lead the partnership, and take fiscal responsibility for United Way funds
- organizations and partnerships within the United Way of the Mid-South service area including Fayette, Lauderdale, Tipton, Shelby Counties in TN; Crittenden County, AR; DeSoto, Tate, Tunica Counties in MS
GUIDELINES
Successful applications will demonstrate:
- alignment with UWMS’ mission;
- focus on a significant problem or opportunity in the region;
- significant potential to positively impact the community;
- capacity and leadership necessary to complete the proposed activity; and
- a plan for sustainability, where applicable.
Collaborative partnerships will be given priority for funding. Successful collaboratives have developed or will be developing:
- a shared vision for change;
- a shared measurement system;
- a coordinated plan to achieve impact through a collaborative plan of action.
Priority will be given to proposals that are focused on strategies to reduce poverty in the Mid-South.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Letters of Interest will be accepted on August 15 and January 15 and may be sent to:
Diana Bedwell, Director, Community Impact, Diana.Bedwell@uwmidsouth.org
Candidates selected by the Catalyst Fund Committee of the UWMS Board will be invited to submit a full application.
Letters of Interest should be no more than 2 pages and include the following:
- Purpose of collaborative effort and/or innovative strategy
- Brief overview of the plan of action which United Way of the Mid-South is being asked to support
- Specific use of UWMS funds
- Anticipated outcomes
- Collaborative members
- Signed commitment by the non-profit, 501(c)(3) entity which will take fiscal responsibility for UWMS funds
- Contact information for primary point person
CONDITIONS for FUNDING
Agencies seeking new or continued funding through United Way of the Mid-South (United Way) are expected to comply with the following conditions:- Be incorporated, not-for-profit, tax exempt under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Service Code, and meet all applicable local, state and federal regulations.
- Provide health or human services based on documented needs to an identifiable population and/or geographic area within the service area of United Way – specifically Shelby County, Tennessee.
- Be non-discriminatory and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
- Have an active, rotating, volunteer leadership that represents diverse elements of the community.
- Have written policies regarding conflicts of interest for board members and employees.
- Have sound program and financial management.
- Apply annually to United Way for funding unless otherwise agreed.
- Coordinate agency fund raising activities with United Way.
- Support, cooperate and identify with United Way.
