Every three years, UWECI conducts a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to select programs that align with our communities’ top priorities. In the second and third years of the cycle, we conduct an annual review to evaluate progress and determine whether funding will be renewed. Additionally, funding levels are determined each year based on the amount of money raised during our annual campaign.
United Way’s funded partners are key in making an impact in our community. We work closely with our nonprofit partner organizations to create a thriving East Central Iowa. Our funded partners specifically align with our focus areas of financial security, youth opportunity, and healthy community.
The current funded partners listed below receive funding from July 2026 – July 2029.
Affordable Housing Network Inc.: Tenant Relations/Support
Catherine McAuley Center: Women’s Services and Education Services
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Iowa: Immigration Legal Services
Foundation 2 Inc: Emergency Youth Shelter
Goodwill Industries of the Heartland: Employment Training and Placement Program
Habitat for Humanity International Inc: Affordable Repairs Program
Hope Community Development Association Inc.: On the Job Construction Training
Horizons: A Family Service Alliance: Financial Wellness Center and Neighborhood Transportation Services
Iowa Legal Aid: Legal Assistance Project
Matthew 25: Transforming Housing Program
The Arc of East Central Iowa: Life Skills Through the Lifespan
United We March Forward: Drives Education for Immigrants (DEFI)
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids and East Central Iowa, Inc.: Big Futures for Youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters
Boys and Girls Club of Cedar Rapids: Bridging the Educational Gap to Create Great Futures
Four Oaks Family and Children Services: Achievement Academy
Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP): Head Start
Iowa Jag Inc: Creating Workforce Solutions for Eastern Iowa Students
Kids First Law Center: Child Advocacy Creates Stability for Children in Separated Families, and Restorative Justice Helps Children Resolve Conflict
The Arc of East Central Iowa: The Ability Center – Special Needs Childcare
The New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative Inc: CoderDojo Cedar Rapids
Waypoint Services for Women, Children, and Families: Access to Quality Childcare
Young Parents Network, Inc.: Building Bright Futures
Youthport: Therapeutic Childcare Program
Zach Johnson Foundation: Kids on Course University
Area Substance Abuse Council: ASAC Prevention and Treating and Supporting Recovery-Treatment
Feed Iowa First: Improving Food Access Infrastructure and Support
Hawkeye Area Community Action Program: Food Reservoir and Rural Senior Services
Horizons a Family Service Alliance: Meals on Wheels
Matthew 25: Cultivate Hope
North Star Community Services Inc: Vinton Center
Old School Produce Partners Inc: Community Giving Garden
Rural Employment Alternative: Improved Functioning and Social Connectedness through Education and Community Participation
Southeast Linn Community Center Corporation: Food Pantry
St. Lukes Health Care Foundation: St. Luke’s Dental Health Center Aging Services
Together We Achieve: Filling the Gap: Food Access for Families in Need
Area Substance Abuse Council: Heart of Iowa Care Navigation
Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP): HACAP Maternal Health
Eastern Iowa Health Center: Unmet Needs
Community Health Free Clinic: Direct Women’s Healthcare Funding
Housing Fund for Linn County (HFfLC): Landlord Liaison and Lived Experience Advisory Council
LAP-AID: LAP-AID Manager
Opportunity Center: OC Manager
United Way of East Central Iowa will open our 2027 – 2029 Request for Proposal on October 27, 2025, at 8am for applicants in the human service sector in our five-county service area of Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Jones, and Linn counties.
UWECI utilizes a grant management software called e-Cimpact. Using the link on the right and included instructions, applicants will need to register, create an agency profile, and fill out a Letter of Intent by November 17, 2025, at noon. Those who qualify will be invited to apply for the Request for Proposal beginning on November 24, 2025, at noon. The Request for Proposal will be due on February 3, 2026.