New Agency Funding Application

NEW AGENCY FUNDING APPLICATION PROCESS

PLEASE READ ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM BEFORE SUMBITTING AN LOI. Questions should be directed to director@unitedwaylakemartin.org. 

ABOUT US: The Lake Martin Area United Way (LMAUW) is committed to advancing the common good by creating opportunities for everyone to thrive through our focus on youth opportunities, healthy communities, financial security, and community resiliency – the keys to a thriving community. 

OUR MISSION:  To empower our communities through the mobilization of people and resources to foster meaningful connections, drive impactful solutions, and improve lives. 

OUR VISION: United Way envisions a community where collaboration is the cornerstone for accessing resources and opportunities that all people need to thrive and succeed. 

UNITED is the WAY we create lasting change. 

OUR PARTNER AGENCIES: LMAUW’s nonprofit partners must meet a strict set of eligibility criteria annually. This provides assurance to our donors, sponsors, and supporters that LMAUW’s nonprofit partner organizations meet the highest standards of financial transparency and accountability. All LMAUW partners are locally-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, providing local services in at least one of the 2 counties we serve. Partners must maintain an administrative overhead rate at or below industry standards (30% or less of their total budget), meet all state and federal requirements of nonprofit organizations, and have held their 501(c)(3) status for a minimum of 1 year to qualify for partnership. (Any of these conditions may be changed or modified at any time by the LMAUW Board of Directors.)

OUR PROCESS: Currently, LMAUW provides funding to 25 partner agencies across Coosa and Tallapoosa Counties. Requests for funding are evaluated each fall with award notices in January of the following year. Funding requests must be submitted each year and funding is never guaranteed from one year to the next. 

We look for organizations that align with our mission, vision, and impact areas and those that will make a significant difference in the communities we serve. 

TO REQUEST TO BECOME AN AGENCY OF THE LAKE MARTIN AREA UNITED WAY: 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: (no exceptions) 

• Applicants must provide services in Coosa and/or Tallapoosa County.
• MUST be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with proof of status (IRS determination letter). REQUIRED
• Services offered by the organization must fit under one of our 4 impact areas; align with the mission of the Lake Martin Area United Way; and have a meaningful and positive impact in one or both of our service counties.
• Organization MUST have been in operation for 1 full year (12 consecutive months) AND able to provide demographic and/or financial documentation as requested (may include: 990 forms, audited financial statements, budgets, etc.).

STEP 1 – ALL organizations not currently funded by LMAUW must first submit an online Letter of Intent (LOI). The Letter of Intent must be submitted online and include all information as outlined below. Failure to include any of the required items may result in immediate rejection of consideration. LOI’s will only be accepted from July 1 through August 30 of each calendar year (no exceptions). A sample LOI may be accessed here for review only (PDF file). 

Eligible Use of Funds (if awarded) – LMAUW funds may be used to support:

1. Direct costs related to the execution of programs meeting community needs.
2. One-time expenses (purchased goods or services) that will have a positive impact on the residents of Coosa or Tallapoosa County.
3. Organization operating costs that align directly with program success. 

We DO NOT fund:

1. Individuals seeking funds for personal, business, political, or other use deemed outside the mission of LMAUW.
2. Start-up costs for nonprofits, businesses, groups, or individuals.
3. Organizations with a mission deemed outside that of LMAUW or that do not align with one or more of our areas of impact focus.
4. Reimbursements or training costs. 

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SUBMISSION OF A LETTER OF INTENT? 

Once submitted, the Letter of Intent (LOI) will be reviewed by the Allocations Committee of the Lake Martin Area United Way. Approved organizations will be notified by email and an in-person visit with the Executive Director and one or more members of the Allocations Committee will be set up to learn more about the applying organization. If approved after the in-person visit, the organization will be invited to submit a full application for funding consideration, which will include required demographic and financial data. Failure to provide the requested/required information will automatically result in rejection of the application.

The LMAUW Allocations Committee, comprised of members of the Board of Directors, has the final say on all Letters of Intent and invitations for formal application. It is at the discretion of the committee to approve or deny LOIs and funding applications. 

If your organization’s Letter of Intent is not accepted, you may reapply for funding during the next cycle. 

Submission of an LOI or formal application DOES NOT guarantee an award of funding. Any funds awarded by the Lake Martin Area United Way is at the discretion of the Board of Directors, upon recommendation of the Allocations Committee, AND pursuant to a successful annual campaign and available funds, which may vary from year to year.  Funds are distributed on a quarterly basis and also contingent upon the funded organization meeting all required reporting deadlines and terms of the Agency Partnership Agreement. 

GENERAL FUNDING APPLICATION TIMELINE*:

*Dates may vary slightly from year-to-year due to weekends/holidays; LMAUW will update as needed. 

 The Letter of Intent may be accessed HERE for submission and consideration.

Questions? Contact Courtney Layfield, Executive Director, at director@unitedwaylakemartin.org or 256-329-3600.