← Back to US Funders Directory

United Way Of Central Maryland Inc

Annual Giving
$31.6M
Grant Range
$2K - $0.0M

United Way Of Central Maryland Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $31.6 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Varies by program
  • Grant Range: $1,500 - $10,000+
  • Geographic Focus: Central Maryland (Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll, Harford, Howard Counties)

Contact Details

Overview

United Way of Central Maryland (UWCM) is a 97-year-old philanthropic organization with total assets of $54.6 million and annual revenue of $31.6 million. Their mission is "to improve lives by empowering leaders and mobilizing the caring power of our communities." As a major grant-making foundation in the Greater Baltimore region, UWCM funds nonprofit organizations that demonstrate capacity to address gaps in their Basic Needs Continuum. The organization takes a strategic approach to funding, focusing on systemic challenges while providing targeted assistance to individuals and neighborhoods across six Central Maryland counties.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Neighborhood Grants: Up to $10,000

  • For organizations with annual operating budgets of $500,000 or less
  • Applications submitted through online portal
  • Over 70 organizations funded in 2025
  • Rolling application process currently open

Changemaker Challenge: $1,500+ per finalist

  • Total investment of over $500,000 across 30 recipients (most recent round)
  • All finalists receive $1,500 support stipend
  • Additional awards available through competition
  • Annual program with Fall selection cycle

Agency Funding: Amounts vary

  • For 501(c)(3) organizations demonstrating capacity to identify service gaps
  • Focus on Basic Needs Continuum priorities

Priority Areas

  • Economic Advancement and Financial Literacy
  • Education and Youth Development
  • Physical and Mental Health
  • Housing Stability
  • Neighborhood Development and Community Connections
  • Equity Expansion

What They Don't Fund

  • Organizations with annual operating budgets over $500,000 (for Neighborhood Grants program)
  • Projects outside Central Maryland service area
  • Non-501(c)(3) organizations (for Agency Funding)

Governance and Leadership

United Way of Central Maryland operates from their Montgomery Park Business Center headquarters in Baltimore. The organization maintains a professional staff structure with approximately $16.9 million allocated to salaries and wages, representing 43% of total expenses. Leadership emphasizes community empowerment and equity in all funding decisions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Neighborhood Grants:

Changemaker Challenge:

  • Annual application cycle
  • Selection, coaching, pitching, and awards occur throughout Fall
  • Includes pitch coaching and media partner exposure

Agency Funding:

  • Direct application for qualified 501(c)(3) organizations
  • Must demonstrate alignment with Basic Needs Continuum

Decision Timeline

  • Neighborhood Grants: Rolling decisions as applications are reviewed
  • Changemaker Challenge: Fall cycle with multiple stages (application, selection, coaching, pitching, awards)
  • Agency Funding: Timeline varies based on funding cycle

Success Rates

Specific success rates not publicly available. Over 70 organizations received Neighborhood Grants in 2025, and 30 individuals/groups were funded through the most recent Changemaker Challenge.

Reapplication Policy

Not explicitly stated in available materials. Organizations should contact UWCM directly regarding reapplication policies.

Application Success Factors

Based on UWCM's funding patterns and priorities:

  • Demonstrate clear gap identification: UWCM specifically seeks organizations that can identify and address service gaps in their Basic Needs Continuum
  • Focus on resident-driven solutions: Particularly for Neighborhood Grants, emphasize community-centered, resident-driven approaches
  • Align with strategic pillars: Frame projects within UWCM's four core areas (Education, Employment, Housing, Health)
  • Emphasize community connections: Projects that "Inspire Community Connections," "Empower Local Leaders," and "Build Vibrant Neighborhoods" align with stated priorities
  • Show capacity despite limited resources: For smaller organizations, demonstrate ability to create impact within budget constraints
  • Include equity considerations: UWCM emphasizes equity and community empowerment in all initiatives

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • UWCM offers multiple grant opportunities with different eligibility requirements - carefully match your organization to the appropriate program
  • Smaller organizations (under $500,000 budget) have dedicated funding through Neighborhood Grants
  • The Changemaker Challenge provides extensive support beyond funding, including coaching, media exposure, and learning resources
  • Focus proposals on addressing gaps in basic needs (education, employment, housing, health) with community-driven solutions
  • Applications are submitted through their online portal at uwcm.communityforce.com
  • UWCM values innovation and fresh ideas, particularly those that expand equity and close service gaps
  • Consider how your project contributes to building vibrant neighborhoods and empowering local leaders

References

← Back to US Funders Directory