Partner Agency Application

Partner Agency Application

United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties unites in purpose to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. One way we fulfill this mission is through partnership with health and human service organizations whose work aligns with priority needs and goals identified in the 2025 Community Needs Assessment.

Organizations interested in partnership must demonstrate a commitment to high-quality service delivery, strong governance, equitable access, and measurable community impact. Partner Agency status is required to apply for United Way funding, though partnership does not guarantee grant awards.

Partnership Enrollment Guidelines

Application Deadline: April 30th, 2026

All current and prospective Partner Agencies must (re)apply for partnership. The application must be filled out through the UWJWC e-CImpact portal. (Agencies who have an existing account through e-CImpact will use their established log-in, new agencies to the system must create an account.)

Eligibility Criteria

Organizations applying for Partner Agency status must:

• Operate in accordance with IRS guidelines for 501(c)(3) organizations and applicable state regulations.
• Be governed by an active, volunteer board of directors that meets at least four times annually.
• Demonstrate strong fiscal management and pursue diverse funding sources.
• Deliver programs that:
  • Align with the 2025 Community Needs Assessment Goals,
  • Reflect best practices or evidence-based models, and
  • Produce measurable, positive outcomes for people served.
• Uphold a non-discrimination policy and ensure equitable access to services.

Organizations will not be eligible if they discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, creed, disability, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, socioeconomic status, or immigration status.

Review Considerations

Applications are evaluated on:

• Alignment with the 2025 Community Needs Assessment Goals
• Identification of and responsiveness to community service gaps
• The availability of United Way resources
• The presence of similar services in the community
• Organizational financial health and sustainability

If approved, partners may apply for funding during the next United Way grant cycle.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials for review by the Community Impact Committee and the United Way Investment Council through the e-CImpact portal:

1. Narrative Application: a written narrative including:
   • Organizational History & Purpose: an overview of the agency’s history, mission, and core activities.
   • Alignment With United Way Focus Areas: an explanation of how the agency’s mission and services align with the 2025 Community Needs Assessment Goals and United Way’s four focus areas:
     • Healthy Communities
     • Financial Stability
     • Youth Opportunity
     • Community Resiliency
   • Equitable Access: a description of target populations, any fees for services, and the organization’s efforts to ensure equitable and culturally responsive access.
   • Program Impact: a description of service capacity, demand trends, and impact outcomes.
   • Organizational & Financial Stability: a summary of financial position and organizational capaicty, governance, and sustainability
   • Partnership & Community Engagement: an explaination of why the agency is seeking partnership with UWJWC, and description of agency’s use of volunteers. 
2. Program Impact & Outcomes: current data and documentation (for Calendar Year 2025) demonstrating:
   • Individuals served, services selivered 
   • Outcomes achieved
   • Demographic Information
   • Alignment with the 2025 Community Needs Assessment
3. Financial and Governance Documents
   • Current fiscal year organizational budget, including all funding sources
   • Staff salaries and benefits overview
   • Audits or financial statements for the past three years, including any management letters. 
     • Budget Ranges & Required Financial Documents:
       • Less than $200,000: In house year-end financial statement signed by Partner Agency Director and Board President
       • $200,001 - $750,000: Annual review by certified public accountant
       •  $750,000 and over: Annual Audit level statement
     • Agencies with fewer than three years of operation may be eligible for special consideration
   • IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter
   • Evidence of current and good standing with state nonprofit registration and tax exemption
   • Current bylaws
   • Written fiscal policies and procedures
   • Non-discrimination policy
   • Personnel policies
   • Qualifications and/or Job Description for Director Level Positions
   • Evidence of insurance coverage, including bonding; directors and officers; liability; vehicle (if applicable); property; and professional liability 
   • Optional Attachments, up to 2: Additional context for application areas, stories, or photos
4. Board Materials
   • List of current officers and board members
   • A Letter of Intent requesting Partner Agency status, signed by the Board Chair, affirming the organization’s commitment to become a United Way Partner Agency

Resources

2026 Partnership Enrollment Guidelines & Narrative Questions

Questions?

Register for a Teams webinar for a walkthrough of the application process and Q&A on Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 from 12 to 1 pm.

Please direct questions to info@unitedwayjwc.org or call United Way at 319-338-7823 (messages can be left on the general mailbox).