The Transformative Impact Grant is a new, high-level funding opportunity aimed at empowering collaborative initiatives that drive sustainable change for children & youth ages 0-18 across the Heart of Maine United Way (HoMEUW) service area.

Heart of Maine United Way invites letters of interest (LOI) from applicants who envision a future where all youth in our communities can thrive. Transformative Impact Grants are designed to support strategic, collaborative approaches to creating change for youth ages 0-18 in one or more counties included in our service area (Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington counties). Applying coalitions must include three or more organizations with a shared vision, objectives, and an agreed-upon backbone organization to coordinate efforts and resources effectively.

Successful proposals will demonstrate a focus on program and coalition sustainability and highly effective impact for the target population. Successful LOIs should briefly and clearly outline the following elements (in 1,500 words or less):

• Initiative or partnership name
• Demonstrated need and evidence-based approach
• Coalition goals and outcomes (short-term and long-term)
• Description of planned activities
• Target population
• Metrics for evaluation
• Timeline for implementation
• Overview of how funds will be invested/allocated and additional resources/funding that are supporting the work
• Roles and responsibilities of coalition members
• Capacity for and mode of collaboration

Proposals must support positive development and outcomes for youth ages 0-18, ensuring the next generation can thrive as we recognize the increasing challenges faced by youth. Coalitions may choose to focus on mental health, mentoring, family support, education, or other community needs as identified.

Transformative Impact Grant funding can be used for operational support, program delivery, and/or coalition consultation. Applicants are also invited to apply for our Fast Track or Impact Grants. An application to the Transformative Impact Grant does not count toward HoMEUW application or award limits.

Letters of interest should be emailed in PDF form to grants@homeunitedway.org no later than 4:00 PM on January 8, 2025.Thank you for your interest in this exciting new funding and collaboration opportunity!

LOI Due Date: January 8, 2025 @ 4:00 PM
Invitation for Full Proposal: January 14, 2025
Full Proposal Due Date: February 18, 2025 @ 4:00 PM
Award Decision: June 2025
# of Awards: 1
Award Amount: $85,000/year for 3 years
Funding Cycle: July 2025 – June 2028
Eligibility Criteria:

1. Not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, educational institution, or municipality providing health and human service program in Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, or Washington counties.
2. Active board of directors (or other legally defined governing body) that meets with a quorum at least quarterly
3. Stated mission and bylaws.
4. Files Form 990 with the Internal Revenue Service annually, if required
5. Submission of appropriate financial materials

• Gross receipts of $1,000,000 or more = Annual Audit
• Gross receipts of $50,001-$999,999 = Independent Review of Financial Statements from an external accountant OR Audit
• Gross receipts of less than $50,000 = Compilation OR Independent Review OR Audit

Funded partners are required to comply with HoMEUW’s agency agreement which includes stipulations on reporting, marketing, and supporting the HoMEUW annual campaign.

The HoMEUW Board of Directors has decided that the following types of programs or funding are not eligible to receive HoMEUW Strategic Investment Grant funding:

• Programs that integrate structured religious activity in United Way funded services or condition
  receipt of United Way funded services on acceptance of, or participation in, inherently religious
  activities. Inherently religious activities include worship, prayer, or instruction.
• Expenses already incurred
• Political campaigns

HoMEUW will support organizations that do not discriminate in services, employment, or volunteer opportunities based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, or religion. This policy does not preclude support for programs designed to serve specific populations with identified needs.