Nonprofits across Missouri and Illinois eligible to apply
The United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) is now accepting applications for its 2027-2029 Safety Net Funding cycle and invites all eligible agencies— within its 16-county region across Missouri and Illinois, including those not currently receiving United Way funding—to apply. United Way equips 160 local nonprofits with vital funding and training resources to support measurable impact across its five impact areas. Organizations selected for the 2027-2029 cycle will receive a three-year contract and become part of the UWGSL member agency network. Applications must be submitted via the online grant portal by April 17, 2026.
United Way’s Safety Net is a collaborative network of agencies that deliver an array of essential direct services to address the region’s most pressing needs, helping families and individuals remain and work toward stability. Safety Net agencies provide direct services that address basic, urgent needs – such as access to food and housing— as well as supports that help move individuals and families toward stability, including education, health and well-being, workforce access, and financial mobility.
“Our Safety Net agencies are at the heart of how we help people stabilize, recover, and build a path forward,” said Michelle Tucker, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis. “This funding cycle is an opportunity for organizations across our region to join a strong network of agencies working together to ensure individuals and families have access to the essential supports they need to achieve self-sufficiency and thrive.”
Eligibility Requirements
Any applicant not currently funded as a 2024-2026 Safety Net Member Agency is considered a new applicant. To qualify for United Way funding, organizations must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Must provide direct services to individuals living in at least one of the 16 counties within United Way’s geographic footprint.
- The organization and specified program(s) must be operational for at least two years prior to submission on April 17, 2026.
- Must be a nonprofit operating with a current federal 501(c)(3) tax determination.
- Must be in good standing with the state of Missouri and Illinois, and provide a certificate of good standing dated on or after October 17, 2025
- Must have required financial documentation listed on the application.
New applicants are invited to learn more about the cycle by attending one of two virtual informational sessions either on March 24th from 2:00-4:00 pm or March 26th from 10:00 am –12:00 pm. For full eligibility criteria, instructions on how to apply, or register for on of the informational meeting sessions, please visit helpingpeople.org/agency-hq/.
About United Way of Greater St. Louis
United Way of Greater St. Louis unites people, resources, and funding to help build strong and equitable communities across a 16-county region in Missouri and Illinois. United Way’s impact on the community includes equipping over 160 local nonprofits with vital funding and training resources, operating the largest Volunteer Center in the region, and connecting local neighbors to providers of services through its 211 Referral Line. For more information, contact 314-421-0700 or visit www.HelpingPeople.org.
