Grant Portal: https://uwdpfunding.communityforce.com/

Brief Description: United Way Lakes and Prairie is requesting proposals to help us achieve our goals in the Impact Areas of Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, and Financial Security with priority on individuals and families facing financial hardship.

Preliminary Application: January 12th - February 12th, 2026
Board Review of pre-screen applications: February 19th, 2026
Invitations to Complete the Full Application: February 20th, 2026
Full Application Deadline: March 20th, 2026; 5pm Central Time (No late applications accepted)
Funding Amount Range: $5,000-$25,000

Eligible Organizations:

  • 501c3 Nonprofit Organizations 
  • Schools 
  • Government Agencies 

Geographic Area

  • Grants must serve residents within Douglas, Otter Tail, Pope, and Wadena Counties.

We do not fund:

  • Individuals                                                                              
  • Endowments
  • Capital Campaigns
  • Fundraising Activities
  • Debt Reduction or Retrospective Funding
  • Equipment Purchases or Building Projects
  • Political organizations or political campaigns
  • Religious organizations for religious purposes

Funding Priority Areas and Goals:

Grant Application Process:

  1. Submit your preliminary application online: https://uwdpfunding.communityforce.com/
  2. Qualified agencies will be invited to submit a final application.
  3. Agencies interview with a Community Investment Panel in April 2026.
  4. The UWDP Board of Directors approves Community Investment Grants.
  5. Agencies/Organizations will be notified in June 2026.
  6. Grants will be paid out quarterly beginning in July 2026.
  7. Final grant reporting will be due at the conclusion of the grant cycle.