Maximize Your Application

Getting Started

Access Your Portal

When you log in to the application portal you'll find two separate applications: the Wiregrass United Way Funding Request and the optional Wiregrass Foundation Challenge Grant. Your account is your email address — if you've forgotten your password, use Forgot Password on the login page; you don't need to call us to reset it. If you've applied before, use "Import Responses from Existing Applications" to bring last year's answers across — then read and update every one of them (see below).

Work Smart

The portal autosaves every 10 minutes, but a page left idle for 20 minutes logs you out without saving. Draft your answers in a Word document first, then copy and paste them in. That protects your work and gives you time to refine your answers.

Collaborate Effectively

Need input from several people? Add collaborators inside the portal so your team can work on the application together.

First Time Applying?

Click Create New Account on the login page and register with the email address you want all application correspondence to reach.

Building a Strong Application

Required Fields Matter

Every required field must be complete and accurate before submission. Incomplete applications delay the review process and may impact funding decisions.

Organizational Details

When entering demographics, your percentages must total 100%. Enter your numbers first, then click calculate to ensure accuracy. Your unduplicated numbers should reflect real people served — these figures help us understand your true community impact.

Financial Transparency Builds Trust

We want to see your reserves. Healthy reserves demonstrate organizational stability and long-term sustainability. If you've experienced significant changes in leadership, programs, funding, or expenses, take time to explain these shifts clearly. Context matters.

Tell Real Stories

Your success stories are used for donor engagement and marketing throughout our community. Use specific, real examples that focus on outcomes and impact. Help donors see the faces behind the numbers and understand how their support changes lives. If a story names a real person or includes their photo, make sure you have their written permission — the application asks you to confirm it. Stories without a photo can stay anonymous.

Required Documentation

Upload complete, current documents only. Do not submit blank placeholders. Your application packet should include:

• Most recent 501(c)(3) determination letter
• Audit or financial review
• Articles of incorporation
• Board of directors roster & meeting schedule
• One-sheet annual report
• Code of ethics
• Form 990 (filed within the last 18 months)
• Nondiscrimination policy

Budget Template

Download the agency budget template and customize it to fit your organization. Put your organization name at the top, add lines as needed, and include all services. If you use "Other" categories, always provide clear explanations.

The template is downloaded from inside your application.

Understanding the Budget Process

Your budget should be based on your fiscal year and use real numbers. The template is fully editable — make it work for your organization by adding lines and adjusting categories as needed. Include all services you provide.

Income Clarity

Be prepared to explain all sources of income. Large increases or decreases from year to year must have clear explanations. Committee members will ask about changes, so know what shifted and why.

Outside Review

Have someone outside your organization review your budget and ask questions. This practice run helps you anticipate committee questions and refine your explanations.

Reserves and Audits

Organizations with budgets of $1,000,000 or more should have a full audit. Reserves are viewed as a positive indicator of fiscal health and organizational stability.

Wiregrass Foundation Challenge Grant

The Wiregrass Foundation Challenge Grant is a separate, optional application for capital-improvement projects that address critical community needs. It is funded by the Wiregrass Foundation's $450,000 challenge to our annual campaign, so awards depend on the community meeting its goal. You may submit up to three projects; funding is not guaranteed, and requests are evaluated competitively.

Project Requirements

Your project must be needs-based, not aspirational — it should address an existing gap in service or infrastructure, not a new venture without demonstrated necessity. We will not fund partial projects unless you already have secured funding to complete the remainder.

Documentation

Having quotes from builders and suppliers strengthens your application and demonstrates realistic planning.

Strong Applications Answer Four Key Questions

Preparing for Your Committee Meeting

Your committee meeting lasts up to one hour with a Funds Distribution Committee of up to 13 United Way volunteers from different backgrounds. There are four committees, one for each focus area. The volunteers read your application and your success story before they visit, and they ask thoughtful questions about your services, impact, and budget.

Meeting Structure

The first portion features a brief overview of your services by your agency director. The majority of time is dedicated to volunteer questions about your programs, impact, and financial decisions.

What Not to Do

Don't spend the entire meeting talking about programs. Over-explaining programs can signal discomfort with budget questions and limits time for meaningful dialogue.

What to Do

Know your budget thoroughly and be prepared to explain changes and decisions. Have your finance person attend the meeting to answer specific budget questions. This demonstrates organizational transparency and preparedness.

Get Support

Call Wiregrass United Way staff before your meeting with any questions. No one should walk into a committee meeting unprepared. We're here to help you succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions