Applications for United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN)’s 2025 grant funding opens to local nonprofits November 1st.
Since 1966, UWNEMN has raised funds in the community to reinvest in local nonprofit agencies and programs. Last year, donations to UWNEMN supported 61 nonprofits, including all regional food shelves and libraries with summer reading programs.
To qualify for the coming year’s funding, applicants must:
a) be a 501(c)3 nonprofit, project with an established 501(c) serving as fiscal agent, or government organization whose program(s) align with UWNEMN priority funding areas: Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Community Resiliency, or Financial Security
b) serve people in UWNEMN’s service area (Iron Range, Koochiching County, and Lake of the Woods County)
c) address a targeted issue in UWNEMN’s investment plan
“This annual funding process is the backbone of our work,” said UWNEMN Executive Director Erin Shay. “When local people donate to our organization, they support an entire network of changemakers.”
The donors who make this funding possible are invited to participate in the distribution process to weigh in on how their gifts are allocated. Fund distribution volunteers will review applications, interview applicants, and make recommendations to UWNEMN’s Board of Directors in March. Those interested in this impactful volunteer opportunity should contact UWNEMN Community Impact Director Crystal Royer.
Applicants selected to receive 2025 UWNEMN funding will receive quarterly distributions beginning April 2025, the top of UWNEMN’s fiscal year.