The United Way is a very large giving program and it can have an impact on the way that nonprofit organizations and other worthy causes are supported.

The Process for applying for and receiving funds from Local United Way Chapters will vary from Chapter to Chapter.

Steps to receiving preferred status (potential partnership status)

1. Join the Local Mailing list. (On the United Way- National Home page at: http://national.unitedway.org/ in the top left corner enter your zip code or zip codes to find your local chapter(s).
2. Find out the grant process, including the calendar for proposal submission
3. Receive targeted funding (grant) for 3 years
4. Build a relationship with your chapter.

United Way also has a Gifts In Kind program, find out the name of the individual in charge of this program and talk to them about the type of products they receive.  You may wish to point out that corporate programs that donate products generally do so in large metropolitan areas and/or specific regions.  Perhaps, they have some insight or a strategy to respond to the inability for most Tribal organizations to participate in these programs.

When you find your local chapter online look up their Form 990, it should be on the Site Map page.  It is probably at least two years old, but it will tell you the chapters total funding and every organization that receives a grant from the organization and the size of the award.  It also shows every partner and the size of the donations they receive.  You may wish to note the Native organizations receiving funding, information to note includes the total dollar grant and the name of each organization.  Also note the total dollar amount of the grants awarded overall.

Have the information before you call your local chapter, so when you speak to the person in charge of grants you can ask about the support for programs that support Indian communities.  This is a good opportunity for the local chapters that are not serving Indian communities in their service areas to become aware that there are programs that could benefit from their services.  This will also give the local chapter the ability to communicate with your program, to let you know about upcoming events and funding opportunities.

The United Way also invites community members to sit on its grant committees, this is also a wonderful opportunity to become involved with the local chapter and make sure that Native organizations are represented.   You may be able to recommend individuals from your community who are willing to participate.

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