The United Way of Northeast Michigan is currently accepting applications for 2022 funding.

Eligibility guidelines are as follows:

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

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

¯ Agencies/organizations service area(s) must be 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 can receive funding as long as they meet UWNM criteria.

¯ Programs/projects must meet one or more of the four 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 — Increasing individual and family financial stability.

4. Basic Needs — Dedicated to providing a secure existence to all individuals by assisting them with the basic needs in life; food, clothing, shelter, utility services, etc.

The UWNM does not fund the following:

¯ Political campaigns.

¯ Sectarian programs (UWNM will fund a program of a religious organization as long as the program does not include religious content and is open to all).

¯ Loan payments or deficit spending.

¯ Services normally supported by tax dollars.

¯ Capital campaigns for buildings.

Programs more likely to be funded will:

¯ Address identified and/or emerging community human care service needs.

¯ Benefit a significant number of people.

¯ Deliver services efficiently and cost-effectively.

¯ Encourage self-reliance.

¯ Avoid duplication of services.

¯ Focus on prevention.

¯ Enhance cooperation and collaboration among organizations.

Applications are available online at www.unitedwaynemi.org or can be requested by contacting United Way of Northeast Michigan at 989-354-2221 or via email to jgentry@unitedwaynemi.org with the subject “application.”

If applying for more than one program/project, a separate application for each program/project must be submitted.

Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Friday, April 30, 2021.

Organizations seeking funding are asked to be reasonable in their financial request regarding the program or programs they are seeking funding.

For more information contact Joe Gentry, executive director of the United Way at 989-354-2221 or stop by their office at 108 Water Street, Alpena.