Emerging Needs Grant

Purpose

The Oshkosh Area United Way (OAUW) offers an Emerging Needs Grant to eligible organizations in our community. The Emerging Needs Grant is available to support: 

  • A one-time need. 
  • Capacity building. 
  • An innovative approach to an emerging need within the community. 
  • An extenuating circumstance that could impact the service delivery of a program serving within our focus area.  

The OAUW will establish and maintain a fund, based on the success of the annual fundraising efforts to support requests that are to fill a time-sensitive/immediate need. 

Grant Eligibility 

Nonprofit organizations that have federal tax-exempt status as a section of 501(c)(3) public charity or an organization that has identified a 501(c)(3) willing to act as their fiscal agent within the Oshkosh Area United Way service area are invited to apply for Emerging Needs Grant funding. Programs must support residents in at least one of these zip codes: 54901, 54902, 54903, 54904, 54906, 54927, 54963, 54964, 54980, 54985, 54986.

OAUW will consider one (1) funding request per agency, up to $5,000 within a 12-month period.

All projects must demonstrate an impact on individuals and families within the OAUW service areas. Applicants are encouraged to use data to demonstrate the need for the program in the community. 

Emerging Needs Grants focus on community enhancement projects to support programs that enhance mental health, youth-focused education, or financial stability in the communities served by OAUW. 

Grant Exclusions

OAUW does not award Emerging Needs Grant funding to: 

  • Individuals or stipends are given directly to individuals. 
  • Endowment funds. 
  • Capital projects. 
  • Fundraising and/or event sponsorship. 
  • Debt or existing obligations. 
  • Organizations or programs designed to elect candidates to public office. 
  • Programs located outside of our service area.
How to Apply

OAUW will administer grants from the fund to help address immediate needs and short-term and longer-term impacts. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis as the situation unfolds, making it possible to move resources as quickly as possible and adapt to evolving community needs. The process overall will be dependent upon available dollars. Granting decisions will be reviewed by the OAUW Emerging Leaders Committee, a group of service-minded young professionals who are passionate about creating a lasting impact in our community. Please visit the OAUW website to complete the online application. 

APPLY TODAY

Applicants are notified of approval or denial or will request additional information/clarification within 60 days of submission, as applications are reviewed monthly by the committee. 

Reporting Requirements

OAUW will require a brief outcome summary of the project. The due date for this report will be determined based on the timeline and scope of the request. Please consider including any additional information or material that you feel is relevant to the project such as photos, news or media coverage, or testimonials from participants.

Questions? Please email oauw@oshkoshunitedway.org or call (920) 235-8560.

Oshkosh Area United Way