WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — United Way of Wayne County (UWWC) has announced its 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), inviting qualifying nonprofit organizations to apply for grants supporting programs that serve Wayne County residents.
Application Materials Now Available
The NOFO and supplementary grant materials became available Monday, July 28, 2025, through the organization’s website at www.unitedwayne.org/501c3. The funding opportunity targets established programs that demonstrate measurable community impact.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet strict criteria. Organizations must maintain current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, be incorporated in North Carolina, and actively provide services within Wayne County. Programs must show documented, measurable outcomes and align with at least one of UWWC’s four strategic focus areas: Basic Needs, Education, Health & Wellness, or Financial Stability.
Notably, new or pilot programs lacking outcome data will be excluded from consideration. Individual applicants and for-profit entities are not eligible for funding.
Funding Priorities
United Way of Wayne County emphasizes its commitment to proactive, prevention-focused programming designed to help community members reach their full potential. The organization will prioritize high-quality programs that demonstrate results-driven approaches, innovation, and responsiveness to identified community needs.
Mandatory Orientation Sessions
All nonprofit applicants must attend one of two mandatory in-person orientation sessions to remain eligible for funding consideration. The sessions are scheduled for:
- August 7, 2025, at 9:00 AM
- August 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM
These orientation meetings will provide detailed information about the application process and training on navigating UWWC’s grant portal, eCImpact. Only organizations that attend orientation will receive invitations to submit pre-qualification applications.
Application Process and Timeline
The funding process follows a two-stage approach. Following orientation, eligible agencies will submit pre-qualification applications containing all required documentation in digital formats including Word, Excel, or PDF. Handwritten documents and screenshots will not be accepted, and incomplete application packets will be disqualified from review.
Organizations successfully completing pre-qualification will then be invited to submit comprehensive full applications. Grant funding will commence in January 2026, covering the program year from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.
Contact Information
Interested nonprofit organizations can access additional information and register for orientation sessions at www.unitedwayne.org/501c3. Direct inquiries may be directed to Pilar Parks at pilar@unitedwayne.org.
The funding opportunity represents United Way of Wayne County’s continued investment in strengthening community-based programs that address critical needs throughout the region.
