Evolution for Impact: Strategic Changes to the UWWF Community Investment Grant Process
United Way of West Florida remains committed to building a stronger, more resilient community by tackling the root causes of our region’s most pressing challenges. As part of this commitment to Community Investment, the board of Directors, at the recommendation of the community-based Visioning Team, approved a thoughtful transition in our grant-making process. These enhancements are designed to create greater long-term stability for our funded partners and the individuals and families they serve across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Transitioning to a Multi-Year Cycle
The most significant shift is the move from a one-year grant to a two-year grant cycle. This transition involves an adjustment to the traditional timeline and allows applicants and funded agencies to focus on more sustainable long-term approaches to services and less on the yearly application process. As a result of the timeline adjustment, there will be a six-month gap in the application cycle.
“By extending the cycle to two years, the focus moves from short-term to long-term outcomes,” says Julia Helton, UWWF Community Impact Senior Manager. “This change gives funded agencies the breathing room to focus more on their mission and less on the administrative cycle of annual applications, ultimately allowing for the measurement of real, lasting change in the lives of neighbors.”
A Sharpened Focus on the ALICE Population
While UWWF remains fully committed to serving those living below the federal poverty level, future grants will require a specific focus on the ALICE population. ALICE represents those who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed. These households earn more than the Federal Poverty Level but less than the basic cost of living in the local area. By focusing on these hardworking individuals who are often one emergency away from crisis, UWWF is addressing a critical gap in the local economy across the four pillars of health, education, financial security, and community resilience.
Regarding this shift, Helton notes, “ALICE represents the hardworking members of the community who do not qualify for government or other traditional assistance. By centering community investment around ALICE, UWWF is ensuring that those who are working hard but still struggling to make ends meet have the support they need.”
New Parameters for Meaningful Support
To ensure that community investments are as impactful as possible, the scope of awards is being refined. Under the new model, UWWF will limit the number of awards to 15 total programs. This concentration of resources allows for more significant and transformative support for the selected initiatives. The upcoming process begins in July 2026 with the Letter of Intent and concludes with funding announcements in December 2026. This schedule paves the way for a funding period that spans from January 2027 through December 2029.
Foundations of Partnership
“While the strategy is evolving, the core of the process remains rooted in transparency and community involvement,” said Brian Wyer, UWWF Board Chair.
To keep this transparency at the forefront, the application process continues to include rigorous financial oversight. Agencies must still submit full financial documentation during the Letter of Intent phase for the Finance Committee to verify long-term sustainability.
Furthermore, the volunteer-led model remains the heart of the decision-making process. UWWF will continue to recruit and train local volunteers to evaluate applications and host agency presentations, ensuring that community voices direct where resources go.
“Volunteers are the heartbeat of the grant process,” Wyer emphasizes. “Even with the move to a multi-year model, the integrity of the process remains unchanged. UWWF relies on the expertise and passion of local volunteers to ensure that every dollar invested is going toward programs that are financially sound and deeply impactful.”
Learn More and Get Involved
Partners and community members are invited to stay engaged as these changes roll out. UWWF will be hosting ALICE information sessions to provide deeper insights into the data and how it informs the organizational mission. For the most up-to-date timeline and resources, please visit the Community Investment webpage or contact the UWWF office directly.