United Way of Greater Chattanooga will open its next round of Community Investments in January intending to maximize the impact of every dollar and partnership. With a focus on uplifting local ALICE children and families, the United Way’s investment model embraces a 2-Generation approach to create "lasting, holistic change for the community". In alignment with its 2030 Impact Agenda, United Way’s funding model aims to enhance strategic partnerships, optimize regional resources, and increase transparency for stronger community outcomes.
Enhancements include shifting from small grants to larger, multi-year investments focused on collaboration, adjusting funding in surrounding counties, increasing investments in innovation, and enhancing transparency with clear guidelines and shared metrics. The new partnership model will foster collaboration among grantees, funders, and community organizations. For donors, this approach will strengthen outcomes, boost collaboration, and align with the 2030 Impact Agenda for long-term generational change by investing in opportunities for all children, economic mobility for families, and a more connected community, said officials.
For the 2025-2026 funding cycle, United Way will welcome applications from local nonprofits to three funding opportunities:
Bridge Fund: Investing in high-frequency 211 referral partners to provide direct assistance, requiring participation in the close-the-loop platform.
Impact Collaborative: Multi-year funding for a facilitated cohort focused on proven programs supporting ALICE households with children through a 2-generation approach.
Catalyst Accelerator: Investments in innovative 2-generation ideas to support ALICE households with children.
United Way will continue partnering with nonprofits, offering capacity building, convening opportunities, and network building through its Nonprofit Support initiatives. The value of this model lies in its emphasis on collaboration, innovation and shared metrics, ensuring that every partnership delivers meaningful results for the community, said officials.
To help prepare for the 2025-2026 grant cycle, United Way will host application training webinars on Dec. 10 and 12. Interested nonprofits are encouraged to register for one of the following webinars:
Dec. 10: 12-1 p.m.
Dec. 12: 9-10 a.m.
These webinars will be recorded and posted on United Way’s website, as well. For more information about the upcoming grant cycle, to find key dates, and to watch previous webinars, visit unitedwaycha.org/community-investments.