Safety Net Funding
No one can anticipate an emergency or, better yet, an unexpected opportunity. With that in mind United Way of Marquette County has created the Safety Net Fund.
The Safety Net Fund will support local nonprofit agencies who provide direct support services in the community by filling an emergent and unexpected need in the organization. This may include expenses in response to emergency events or natural disasters, but also includes unexpected opportunities to advance agency programming not previously in the budget. The key factor is the unexpected nature of the needed funds
Eligibility
Safety Net Mini-Grants are made only to nonprofit organizations that have federal tax-exempt status, or if they fall under the umbrella of a parent nonprofit with tax exempt status as a section 501(c)(3) public charity, public educational institutions or to government agencies. An organization not currently recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, not for profit institution, may identify a 501(c)(3) sponsor to act as their fiscal agent. Religious organizations are eligible to apply for projects without a sectarian component. The applicant must provide services within Marquette County and funding requested may only be used to benefit Marquette County residents. Current United Way of Marquette County partner agencies may apply for funding to support a program or project separate from their annual grant support.
The agency applying for a Safety Net Mini-Grant must have Marquette County impact in one of the following areas: children and youth achieving their potential through education and healthy family lives, helping families and individuals become financially stable and self-sufficient, improving the physical and mental wellness of people of all ages, or providing basic needs and safety net resources.
Organizations must comply with all regulations of the state, county and federal government pertaining to proper licensing, health and safety requirements and operating with the State of Michigan and certify that they are following the USA Patriot Act and other counter-terrorism laws.
The funding requested must be in response to an unexpected expense.
Funding Considerations
UWMC Safety Net Mini-Grant funding availability is impacted by annual gifts, which vary from year to year. Requests of any size will be reviewed, but it is anticipated requests will range from $1,000 – $5,000.
The UWMC Board of Directors will review applications on a rolling basis. Applications are always available on the UWMC website. Due to the unexpected/emergent causes of these requests, UWMC will attempt to notify applicants of their decision within 14 days but may take up to 45 days if additional information is requested.
Organizations are welcome to submit multiple applications if they are each for different emergencies, but UWMC will not review repeat proposals for the same project.
Reporting Requirements
Organizations receiving a Safety Net Mini-Grant will be required to complete a follow up within two months of receiving funding. Reporting may include pictures of an event, news or media coverage, testimonials from participants, and a short report from the Program Director or Executive Director.
Will Not Fund
- Individuals
- Political
- Sponsorships
- Loans
- Capital projects
- Ongoing programs