WHY Impact Funding? 

• Engage community leaders & everyday citizens to work together

• Articulate community impact goals

• Program Solutions:

  • Drive Support to community organizations that have the most compelling, measurable results for individuals and families.

• Issue Initiatives:

  • Execute integrated solutions to pressing community challenges.

• Community Solutions:

  • Lead comprehensive, sustainable community change.

WHO Needs Help Based on Community Feedback?

Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed

ALICE gets up each day to go to work, but still faces financial barriers - working jobs that offer no health care, vacation, or paid sick leave. These workers hold jobs that are critical to the success and vitality of our communities, yet they often struggle to afford food, rent, childcare, and transportation, and have little left over for saving and investing.

HOW Can You Help Make an Impact?

Healthy Community

• Increase access to Healthcare
• Build the foundations for healthy families
• Promote regular mental, oral, & physical healthcare

Youth Opportunity

• Kindergarten readiness
• Promote social, emotional, physical & intellectual growth
• Safe educational opportunities

Financial Security

• Promote job training
• Connect families with housing & food services
• Create a stronger community

Community Resiliency

• Create stronger support network & access to essential resources
• Crisis preparedness & response
• Promote long-term stability by addressing systemic issues

Frequently Asked Questions

Grant Definitions:

ALICE Grant

The ALICE Grant provides funding for programs that support households/individuals who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed (ALICE). These grants focuses on helping individuals and families meet basic needs and build stability through services aligned with United Way of DeKalb County's impact areas: Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency. 

Funding ranges from $5,000-$25,000 and must be used for direct program expenses. Capital costs, building expenses, administrative overhead (including any and all staffing), and fundraising activities are not eligible. 

Community Impact Grant

The Community Impact Grant is a transformational funding opportunity that awards a single $100,000 grant to a collaborative project designed to create long-term, measurable impact in DeKalb County. 

This opportunity is rooted in our core values, Collaboration, Community Impact, Compassion, and Integrity—prioritizing projects that bring partners together, address real community needs, and create meaningful, people-centered change. Projects must demonstrate strong collaboration, long-term sustainability, and alignment with identified community needs.

While limited funding for overhead, salaries, and capital expenses is allowed, these costs may not exceed 20% of the total grant award and must support the overall impact of the project. 

1. What types of grants does United Way of DeKalb County offer?

- We offer two funding opportunities each year: 

- ALICE Grants — Focused on programs that support households that are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed. These grants fund initiatives addressing our four impact areas:

* Healthy Community
* Youth Opportunity
* Financial Security
* Community Resiliency

- Community Impact Grants — $100,000 investment in a collaborative project designed to create long-term, transformational impact in DeKalb County. 

2. Who is eligible to apply for funding?

- Nonprofit organizations, community-based programs, and qualifying agencies that serve DeKalb County residents are eligible to apply. Applicants must demonstrate how their programs align with United Way of DeKalb County's mission and impact areas.

3. When can I apply for a grant?

- ALICE Grant Cycle: Opens in August.

- Community Impact Grant Cycle: Opens in September.

Exact dates and deadlines are listed below.

4. Am I eligible if a representative from my organization did not attend a Grant Information Session?

- No, you are not eligible for either grant.  We highly encourage attending our annual meeting each year and require at least one representative from your organization to attend one of our information sessions. These sessions explain the application process, funding priorities, and reporting requirements. Registration details are posted on our website ahead of each cycle.

5. Are organizations required to participate in United Way of DeKalb County events to receive funding?

- While it is not a strict requirement, we strongly encourage agencies to participate in events like Day of Caring, Power of the Purse, and our Workplace Campaign. These events strengthen community connections, collaboration, partnership, and highlight the impact of funded programs.

7. Can my organization apply for both ALICE and Community Impact Grants?

- No. Organizations may apply for only one grant type per funding cycle to ensure equitable distribution of resources.

8. What cannot be included in my ALICE grant budget?

- United Way of DeKalb County has set forth guidelines to ensure funds are used responsibly and create meaningful community impact. The following items cannot be included in your budget for the ALICE grant.

* Overhead or administrative costs (defined below)
* Building expenses (rent, utilities, maintenance)
* Capital costs (construction, major equipment purchases, vehicles)
* Fundraising-related expenses
* Deficit funding
* Costs for projects that are already completed

- Additionally, funding requests may not exceed 20% of your total project cost.

9. When will my application not be considered for the grants cycles?

- Applications for ALICE Grants will not be considered if:

- They are received after the deadline
- Required materials are incomplete or missing
- Past grant reports or site visits are not completed

- The funding request is for:

- Projects already completed
- Deficit funding
- Fundraising-related expenses

10. Are there additional eligibility limits for ALICE Grant? 

- Yes. Applications will also not be considered if:

* Funding is requested for the same program two years in a row
* The organization does not serve DeKalb County
* Past grant requirements or reporting expectations were not fulfilled

11. What expenses are considered overhead or administrative costs? 

* Staff salaries 
* Mileage 
* Benefits
* General office expenses (supplies, postage, printing)
* Rent, utilities, or building maintenance
* Insurance and organizational dues
* Technology, software, or equipment 
* Accounting, auditing, and administrative support
* Marketing, fundraising, or development expenses

12. Where can I find more information or get help with my application?

- Visit our Grants Portal (linked above) for application.
- You can also email Community Impact Coordinator, Kirby Cool, at kirby@unitedwaydekalb.org for additional support.