UW Valleys Community Impact Grant

The United Way St. Croix & Red Cedar Valleys (UW Valleys) Community Impact Grant is a funding initiative designed to support local nonprofit organizations in Western Wisconsin. As part of their mission to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every individual in their region, UW Valleys invests donor contributions into impactful community programming. These investments are made through a competitive grant process focused on measurable improvements in people’s lives across six counties: Burnett, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix. The grant operates on a two-year cycle and prioritizes funding for programs that align with one or more of the organization’s three focus areas: Health, Education, and Financial Stability. Health-related projects may include initiatives that increase access to nutritious food, quality healthcare, and essential services. In the education space, UW Valleys supports efforts that help children succeed academically and socially through collaboration with families, schools, and community agencies. Financial stability grants aim to help adults achieve gainful employment, secure housing, and build generational wealth. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving residents of the designated six-county area. This eligibility requirement ensures that funds are used locally and reach populations in need through established community partners. The most recent grantees for the 2025–2026 cycle include a variety of organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin, Family Pathways, Operation HELP, and Turningpoint for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence, demonstrating the diversity of funded programs. The upcoming grant cycle for 2027–2028 will open for applications in Fall 2026. Although the exact open and close dates have not yet been published, funding will begin quarterly in early 2027. The funder has advised that additional details will be communicated in early 2026. Based on prior cycles, grantees can expect quarterly disbursements and a final report due by mid-year after the second year of funding. The grant process appears to be annual, with recurring opportunities for eligible nonprofits to apply. Grant funds are distributed as quarterly payments, and performance expectations include a final report submission. The grant does not indicate a requirement for cost sharing or matching contributions. While detailed application requirements are not yet available for the upcoming cycle, it is expected that applicants will be asked to demonstrate alignment with UW Valleys' impact areas and describe the measurable outcomes of their proposed programming. Applicants or interested organizations can contact UW Valleys at their Hudson or Menomonie offices. No individual grant contact is specified. There is also no downloadable PDF or official application form linked at this time. The process is expected to follow previous cycles’ structures, with updates coming later in the year. This grant provides a meaningful opportunity for organizations in Western Wisconsin to strengthen their capacity to serve and uplift local communities.