Aug. 23, 2024
United Way of Greater Knoxville (UWGK) has implemented a new grantmaking process to support nonprofits and community initiatives, resulting in dozens of strategic two-year investments totaling $3.76 million.
With this funding, UWGK is expanding its support to a broader range of nonprofit organizations across its five-county footprint, including some that are first-time UWGK recipients. This marks a significant milestone in UWGK’s mission to drive community impact and address critical needs in Economic Mobility, Early Care and Education and Healthy Communities.
“We are constantly seeking ways to deepen our impact,” said Matt Ryerson, UWGK President and CEO. “The new grant process has proven to be transformative, allowing us to fund more organizations than ever before and ensuring that every dollar is deployed strategically to achieve the greatest possible community benefit.”
The refined grant process was shaped by two years of extensive community input and led by more than 100 volunteers serving 1,500 hours. From streamlining the application process to expanding eligibility, the new process succeeded in enabling UWGK to reach – and award – a broader, more diverse pool of local nonprofits. These organizations and initiatives align with UWGK impact areas, ensuring funding is directed to programs with the most potential for lasting, life-changing outcomes.
UWGK began contacting grant recipients on Friday, Aug. 23. The list of benefiting organizations will be published on the UWGK website, pending signed agreements, on or before Sept. 9, 2024. To learn about upcoming funding opportunities or support these efforts through a financial donation, visit uwgk.org and follow UWGK on social media.
Enhanced grant process: Driving greater impact
The redesigned grant process, developed over two years of evaluation and community input, focuses on inclusivity, efficiency and transparency. By streamlining the application process, expanding eligibility to include smaller organizations and offering operational funding, UWGK significantly reduced barriers to participation and empowered a larger and more diverse pool of nonprofits to access the resources needed to deliver programs and initiatives.
Central to the grantmaking process was UWGK’s adoption of trust-based philanthropy principles: shared power, equity, humility, transparency and collaboration. These values guided the creation of a more equitable and straightforward application system, enabling a wider range of organizations to participate as well as fostering partnerships that extend beyond financial support.
“By refining our grantmaking process, we have made UWGK more agile and responsive to the changing landscapes of both philanthropy and the communities we serve,” Ryerson said. “We are committed to maximizing the impact of every donor dollar, ensuring we not only meet immediate needs, but also foster sustainable solutions for the community that goes further than a single grant.”
Process overhaul: Expanding reach and efficiency
The improved grant process reduces administrative burdens while enhancing the ability to identify and support initiatives that align with UWGK’s impact areas, maximize impact through collaboration and address root causes and systemic challenges. This streamlined approach directs funds to programs with the potential for long-term, transformative outcomes.
“We are thrilled with United Way of Greater Knoxville’s changes to this grant process,” said Cynthia Finch, founder and executive director of New Direction Health Care Solutions. “Completing our application was easier than ever, and we were able to tell our full story. The UWGK team’s support has been invaluable and demonstrates their commitment to helping organizations like ours grow sustainably so we can make a lasting impact in the community.”
The success of this process is due largely to the dedication of more than 100 volunteers, who contributed their diverse expertise and perspectives. Their efforts ensured that the new grantmaking strategy remains connected to the needs of the Greater Knoxville community.
Volunteers provided overwhelmingly positive feedback through post-participation anonymous surveys. One volunteer shared, “I appreciate the transparency offered during this process and the ability for volunteers’ voices to be heard in making decisions that serve our community.” Another noted, “I was impressed by the variety of backgrounds present in the room. I would be happy to repeat this experience.”
Commitment to strategic investment
Since 2020, UWGK has distributed more than $54 million in funding, continuously and refining its approach to better serve the community. The new funding cycle reinforces UWGK’s dedication to strategic investment, with a strong emphasis on measurable outcomes.
Funding available for nonprofits is made possible by the generosity of workplace, corporate and individual donors to UWGK’s annual community-wide campaign. UWGK also plans to offer additional funding opportunities in the coming months. To support these efforts and invest in our community, go to uwgk.org.
About United Way of Greater Knoxville
United Way of Greater Knoxville (UWGK) unites people and resources to strengthen communities and solve systemic issues. UWGK, is part of United Way Worldwide, the largest charitable organization in the world. With over 100 years of impacting our community, we are proud to be the problem-solvers actively working to create a community where all our neighbors can thrive. For more information, visit uwgk.org.
