FY27 Community Resiliency Investment Grant

Potomac Highlands United Way 
Press Release March 17, 2026 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UNITED WAY ACCEPTING REQUEST FOR FUNDING

At Potomac Highlands United Way, we regularly reflect on our history and impact. For nearly 70 years, we have proudly served the Potomac Highlands region, investing donor and volunteer support to strengthen lives and improve community well-being. The collective impact of this work—made possible through our valued community partners—is immeasurable and most admirable.

To ensure we continue maximizing donor impact and volunteer time, we are refining how we respond to our community’s most pressing needs. This year’s funding will prioritize organizations that address unmet needs of the Asset Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed (ALICE) population. We are particularly interested in projects serving children and youth, as well as emergency needs traditionally supported through Live United grants.

Funding Overview

Funding will support one pilot project serving the full Potomac Highland United Way service area:

One (1) or two (2) awards may be made, depending on application response
Total funding available: $30,000
Final award amounts will depend on available funding and application quality

Funding Priorities

• Food insecurity
• Housing and utilities
• Childcare and transportation
• Emergency needs

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:
Serve at least two of the four Potomac Highlands counties:

• Allegany
• Garrett
• Hampshire
• Mineral

Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in good financial standing and operating locally for at least one year

• Organizations not meeting these criteria may apply using an eligible fiscal agent

Be governed by an autonomous Board of Directors

Comply with all applicable local, state, and federal credentialing, accreditation, and licensing requirements

Maintain written non-discrimination, conflict of interest, and whistleblower policies covering:

• Service provision
• Board, volunteer, and committee selection
• Employment practices

Consent to financial disclosure upon request
Demonstrate a clear focus on serving ALICE families

Key Dates

• RFP opens: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
• Applications due: Friday, April 15, 2026, by 4:30 p.m.
• Award notifications: July 1, 2026

Submission & Assistance

For assistance, contact Misty Deal at misty@cuw.org.

Completed applications and required attachments must be emailed to Rhonda Schwinabart, Chair of the Community Investment Committee, at rschwinabart@umces.edu, with a copy to misty@cuw.org, no later than Friday, April 15, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

***This RFP is for FY27 ONLY and does not indicate the nature by which future funding may be disbursed. Please disregard any and all RFPs from prior Impact Grant processes. ***