Equity and Inclusion Fund Update

Dear Community,

With support from the Granite United Way Board of Directors, we have been taking a closer look at our work and grantmaking process through a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) lens.  This reflection has included discussions with other funders, community leaders, and review of our grant making history. Through this process the Board created a DE&I Committee to lead this important work. Based on the recommendation of the DE&I Committee, and with unanimous approval from the Board, GUW is establishing an equity and inclusion fund- focused on grassroots organizations creating impact in our communities.

Granite United Way (GUW) seeks to support grassroots, small nonprofits and community organizations or groups that have not previously received GUW Community Impact Grant funding. We recognize our own need to learn from, support, and collaborate with more organizations that intimately know and understand their communities, and have the trust and inherent knowledge to address the equity gaps that exist in health, education, and financial stability. 

For 2022, our pilot year, this funding process will run parallel with, yet separate from, our general community led grantmaking process. Organizations and programs or groups will be asked to complete a brief qualifications process and application, and successful applicants will be selected by local Community Impact Committee volunteers with input from our DEI committee. General criteria are below.

Our hope is that this is a learning process for GUW in which we continue to evolve our funding process to help create impact in all our communities. We seek to be a supporter and collaborator in this process, to lead and support with trust, respect, and humility, and to remain open to learning and embracing opportunities for growth and change along the way. 

In this pilot funding cycle, a minimum of 2 agencies per GUW geographic region will be funded up to $10,000 per year for a 2-year funding cycle.  Grant dollars may be unrestricted. Eligibility requirements include:

• Applicant has not received a Granite United Way Community Impact Grant in the last 5 years.
• Applicant has an annual revenue of less than $500,000.
• Applicant’s work addresses a documented equity gap in the community.
• Applicant is seeking $10,000 or less annually.
• Applicant is seeking funding in only one region of Granite United Way.

To access the Equity RFP application click here.

Sincerely,

Patrick Tufts

President and CEO