The 2026 Grant Applications for United Way of South Central Tennessee will open February 10.
The United Way of South Central Tennessee is committed to improving lives by advancing opportunities for education, health, and financial stability for all. Through our annual Community Investment Grants, we award funds to nonprofit organizations serving across our 7-county region - Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, Lincoln, Moore, Rutherford, and Warren Counties. Our grantmaking focuses on supporting programs that serve ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families and improve their long-term stability and ability to thrive. By investing in evidence-based programs and collaborative approaches, we work alongside our nonprofit partners to create lasting change across South Central Tennessee.
The full UW Grant Application timeline is below.
February 10 Grant Application opens
February 11, 2 pm Virtual Information Session (Register Here)
March 10 Grant Application closes
Mid-June Award notifications
July 1 Funding cycle begins
Please contact Ella Weaver, ella.weaver@yourlocaluw.org, with questions.
Get Involved as a Volunteer Grant Reviewer
We're excited to introduce a new opportunity for community members to support our grantmaking process as volunteer grant reviewers! Volunteer reviewers play a critical role in amplifying diverse perspectives and supporting programs that address real needs across our seven counties: Rutherford, Cannon, Bedford, Lincoln, Coffee, Moore, and Warren.
Click the menu below for more information.
Grant Application Information
Application Opens February 10th
Information coming soon.
Funding Priorities
Information coming soon.
Helpful Links
Information coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions for Rutherford and Cannon Counties
Information coming soon.
Reviewers participate in a structured process, including training and application reviews, contributing approximately 10-12 hours of their time during the review cycle. Your feedback will inform funding decisions made by our Community Impact Committee, helping ensure thoughtful, equitable investments in programs serving ALICE families. By joining us as a grant reviewer, you can help drive meaningful change while gaining a deeper understanding of the needs and opportunities in our community.
Volunteer Commitments & Expectations
- Attend one virtual training session in March
- Evaluate approximately 8-10 grant applications using a provided scoring rubric
- Submit scores and written feedback for each application by the assigned deadline
- Commit to acting in an ethical manner (disclose conflicts of interest, evaluate applications objectively and without bias)
- Overall time commitment of 10-12 hours total
Benefits of Volunteering
- Gain a deeper understanding of key issues facing ALICE families and nonprofits across our region
- Develop skills in program evaluation, budget analysis, and constructive written feedback
- Connect with a network of people who share your commitment to building thriving communities in South Central Tennessee
- Apply your expertise and passions to drive meaningful impact in our community
Please submit the Volunteer Grant Reviewer Application by Friday, March 6.
Questions? Reach out to eva.smith@yourlocaluw.org.