Special Project Grant

Special Project Grant Opportunity


United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties invests in innovative, high-impact projects that improve the lives of ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties.

Grant awards up to $5,000 are available for specific, clearly defined projects that address community needs related to:

  • Housing stability
  • Food security and basic needs
  • Reducing social isolation and strengthening community connections

This funding is intended for special projects, one-time initiatives, pilot efforts, or other targeted investments that create meaningful community benefit. It is not intended for general operating expenses, ongoing program costs, staffing, or organizational overhead.

Priority will be given to projects that:

  • Address a clearly identified community need or service gap
  • Demonstrate meaningful and measurable impact
  • Benefit ALICE households and families
  • Create sustainable or long-term community benefit
  • Encourage collaboration and community engagement
     

Application Overview
The application is designed to be straightforward and focused on:

  • The community need(s) addressed
  • The proposed project and its goals
  • Who will benefit
  • How funds will be used
  • Expected outcomes and long-term benefit
     

Accountability
Grant recipients will be required to submit a brief final report describing project outcomes, how grant funds were used, and the project’s overall impact. Reports should include both quantitative and qualitative results, including participant stories, testimonials, or other examples demonstrating effectiveness.

Recipients will also be expected to acknowledge United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties’ partnership, investment, and support in project-related communications and materials, as appropriate.

Timeline
Application Deadline: August 1, 2026
Notification of Funding Decisions: September 8, 2026 (via email)

This application does not require a login and does not have a save draft function. Be prepared to complete this application in one sitting.

 

Special Project Grant Application

Organization Information
Project Information
$
Describe the community need being addressed, and how ALICE households in Cowlitz or Wahkiakum Counties will benefit.
How will the project's impact continue after the grant funds have been spent?
If applicable, describe partnerships or community involvement supporting this project.
Project Budget

Provide a simple project budget showing:

  • Grant funds requested
  • Other funding sources (if any)
  • How grant funds will be used
One file only.
5 MB limit.
Allowed types: pdf, xls, xlsx.
Certification

I certify that the information provided is accurate and that grant funds will be used solely for the project described in this application.