ALPENA — The United Way of Northeast Michigan is currently accepting applications for 2021 funding. The deadline for applications is Feb. 28, 2020.

Eligibility guidelines are as follows:

¯ Agencies/organizations must be nonprofit and have 501(c)(3) status from the IRS.

¯ Agencies/organizations must provide human service programs/projects.

¯ Agencies/organizations service area(s) must serve Alpena, and/or Alcona, and/or Montmorency counties.

¯ Agencies/organizations must be incorporated under the laws of the State of Michigan, or other jurisdictions meeting Michigan standards, as a nonprofit entity for a period of no less than two years.

¯ Consideration will be made for funding programs of schools and governmental organizations, as long as they are specific and discreet programs/projects and not covered by tax funds.

¯ New or existing programs/projects can receive funding as long as they meet UWNM criteria.

¯Programs/projects must meet one or more of the three funding areas:

1) Education — Preparing children to enter school and graduate from school.

2) Health — Increasing access to health care, nutrition and health environments.

3) Income/Financial stability — Increasing individual and family stability assisting with basic needs in life — food, clothing, shelter, utility services, transportation, etc.

United Way does not fund the following: political campaigns; sectarian programs (programs of a religious organization can be funded provided it does not include religious content and is open to all); loan payments or deficit spending; services normally supported by tax dollars; or capital campaigns for buildings.

Applications can be requested by visiting www.unitedwaynemi.org, calling 989-354-2221 or emailing United Way of Northeast Michigan Executive Director Joseph Gentry at jgentry@unitedwaynemi.org.

A separate application is required for each program/project. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020.