Helene Rapid Response Fund - Grant Application

• Projects must align with the objectives of the grant program guidelines.
• Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to successfully execute the proposed project in a timely manner. 
• Previous grant recipients and High Country United Way member agencies must have submitted all required reports to be considered for new funding.
• Must be a nonprofit organization.
• Must have a Board of Directors or Executive Committee that meet and keep records at least quarterly.
• Must have audited financial statements by an accountant or CPA (non-profit agencies age 5 or more years) OR financial report(s) certified by the treasurer of the executive committee or the Board of Directors (non-profits age less than 5 years). 
• Must sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) or Sponsorship Agreement (SA) agreeing to the terms of the grant or sponsorship.
• Must acknowledge High Country United Way when applicable (media, press releases, marketing).
• Please note: If your nonprofit organization received funding from Phase 1 of the Helene Rapid Response Fund, your organization must submit reporting before receiving funding from Phase 2 of the Helene Rapid Response Fund. 
• LTRG/COADs ONLY: LTRG/COAD members must elect a member of their Board be approved as an ex-officio member of the High Country United Way Board membership. The proposed ex-officio candidate will be recommended to the Board for ex-officio Board membership of the High Country United Way Board of Directors. This guideline ensures transparency between LTRGs, High Country United Way, and collective recovery goals at High Country United Way.
   

• Complete and submit the official grant application form.
• Include required project proposal outlining objectives, timeline, expected outcomes, and budget.
• Provide supporting documents such as financial statements, organizational credentials, and letters of support. 
• Applications must be submitted by the designated deadlines to be considered. 

• Relevance to the grant program guideline goals.
• Feasibility and fiscal sustainability of the proposed project.
• Direct economic impact potential and scalability of the project
• Clarity, completeness, and timeliness of the application.
• If your nonprofit organization received funding from Phase 1 of the Helene Rapid Response Fund, your organization must submit reporting before receiving funding from Phase 2 of the Helene Rapid Response Fund. 

• Approved grants will be disbursed after the cycle announcement date and following the receipt of a signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) or Sponsorship Agreement (SA) to our offices.  
• (Sponsorships) Vendors must be vetted and approved by High Country United Way with priority given to local businesses where applicable.  
• Failure to meet reporting requirements will result in funding suspension, termination, or required repayment of remaining fund balance.

• Grant recipients must adhere to all applicable regulations and ethical guidelines.
• Regular progress reports will be required, and final reports are mandatory.
• Any changes to the project scope or budget require written prior approval by the High Country United Way Board of Directors.

Grantees must provide services that adheres to our guides and code of conduct. 

6a. All nonprofit agencies being considered must be operated by an active, responsible and voluntary governing body and adhere to a locally developed and adopted code of ethics for volunteers and staff, which include provisions for ethical management, publicity, fundraising practices and full and fair disclosure.
 

(Priority given HCUW member agencies in good standing with programs pertaining HELENE UNMET NEEDS & LONG TERM RECOVERY) Announcement dates for HCUW partner agencies could differ and be tailored to meet the needs of recovery, community resiliency, and applicable press release announcements).

Cycle 1: Opens April 24, 2025 - Closes May 15, 2025. Decision meeting May 20, 2025. Announce May 23, 2025.

Cycle 2: Opens May 19, 2025 – Closes June 6, 2025. Decision meeting June 17, 2025. Announce June 19, 2025.

• Open to High Country United Way member agencies and vetted non-profit partners (multiple county award limits apply). Can apply for IMMEDIATE NEEDS GRANTS and /or HELENE RAPID RECOVERY GRANTS. Grant range: $10,000 – $25,000
• Open to new agencies & Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs). IMMEDIATE NEEDS GRANTS. Grants available up to $10,000

9.1 IMMEDIATE NEEDS GRANTS: 

• Priority given to nonprofit organizations focusing on Helene Recovery Efforts (Unmet Needs): Temporary Housing, Food & Medicine Security, Permanent Shelter, Bridge Repairs, Financial Stability (rent/utilities), Mental Health, and Education.

9.2 HELENE RAPID RECOVERY GRANTS

• Priority given to vetted non-profit organizations with programs focusing on Helene Recovery Efforts: Housing, Food, Medicine, Shelter, Financial Stability, Mental Health, Education. In addition, expanding services that address disaster related unmet needs. 

9.3 UNMET NEEDS SPONSORSHIP (UNS) 

• For Grassroots Community Relief Groups (GCRG) and Community Organizations Active on Disasters (COAD).
  Applications are open until June 30th, 2025
• Must apply for sponsorship, agree to High Country United Way Sponsorship Agreement, and meet the (1) Eligibility Criteria* above.
• Grassroots Community Relief Groups (GCRG) must provide 3 professional references for sponsorship consideration in addition to (1) Eligibility Criteria* above.
• Sponsorship consideration will be vetted to avoid duplication of services with Long-term Recovery Groups. 

9.3(a) Sponsorship Details:

• High Country United Way will directly fund projects addressing unmet community needs for non-profit COAD formed after the storm (9/27/2024).
• Organizations must follow all applicable grant guidelines and provide 3 professional references for sponsorship consideration.
• Funds will be paid directly to vendors for materials, equipment, appliances, furniture, past-due utilities, and other approved costs—not to the applying organization.