United Way of Greater Charlottesville

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $4.4+ million (based on 2023 expenses)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 4-8 weeks (varies by program)
• Grant Range: $2,500 - $10,000 (typical range)
• Geographic Focus: Thomas Jefferson Planning District (Charlottesville, Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Nelson, Orange counties)

Contact Details

• Website: unitedwaycville.org
• Phone: 434.972.1701
• Email: UnitedWayTJA@UnitedWayTJA.org
• Office: 200 Garrett St Ste I, Charlottesville, VA 22902-5662
• Women United Grants: womenunited@unitedwaycville.org

Overview

United Way of Greater Charlottesville is a 501(c)(3) organization (EIN: 54-0505882) that has been serving the region since 1943. With net assets of $6.2 million and annual revenue of nearly $5 million, the organization focuses on building a strong, equitable community where all families can thrive. Their work addresses significant local challenges, including the fact that nearly 25% of the population lives in poverty. The organization recently earned a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator with a perfect score of 100%, demonstrating strong financial health and accountability.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Women United Grants: $60,000 total annually distributed to multiple nonprofits ($2,500 - $10,000 each) supporting women and children (Application deadline: March 1)
• School Readiness Impact Grants: Funding for early childhood care and education providers (Application deadline: April 2)
• Business Development Grants: $5,000 each to emerging small businesses (Applications open each summer)
• Envision Enterprise Grants: Up to $10,000 for established small businesses seeking growth capital
• Minority Enterprise Grants: $5,000 awards to minority-owned small businesses

Priority Areas

United Way focuses on three core impact areas:

• Financial Stability: Economic opportunities for families and small businesses
• School Readiness: Early childhood education and childcare access
• Connected Community: Building community connections and support systems

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly detailed, the organization focuses exclusively on:

• Organizations serving the Thomas Jefferson Planning District
• Programs aligned with their three core impact areas
• 501(c)(3) nonprofits or businesses with demonstrable fiscal agents

Governance and Leadership

President & CEO: Ravi Respeto (Ravi Cooper)

• 25 years of experience in business leadership, strategic marketing, and resource development

The organization maintains a Board of Directors who provide stewardship and strategic guidance. Full board composition is available on their website.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Different programs have different application methods:

• Women United Grants: Online application through website (deadline March 1)
• School Readiness Grants: Online application (deadline April 2, notification May 1)
• Business Development Grants: Applications open each summer; virtual information session attendance required
• Small Business Programs: Various application windows throughout the year

Decision Timeline

• School Readiness Grants: 4 weeks from deadline to notification
• Women United Grants: Approximately 8 weeks from deadline to award announcement
• Business Development Grants: Timeline varies by program cycle

Success Rates

While specific success rates are not publicly available, recent funding cycles show:

• Women United: 10 organizations funded from total applicant pool (2025)
• Minority Enterprise: 8 businesses funded with $40,000 total (2024)

Reapplication Policy

• Women United Grants: Organizations that received funding in the past two years are not eligible
• Other programs: No specified waiting period documented

Application Success Factors

Based on available information, successful applications demonstrate:

• Clear alignment with United Way's three core impact areas
• Strong focus on serving women, children, or promoting financial stability
• Evidence of community need and measurable impact potential
• For small business grants: demonstration of limited access to traditional capital
• For School Readiness: Priority given to applications that create additional childcare slots or increase staff compensation
• Geographic service to the Thomas Jefferson Planning District

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• United Way of Greater Charlottesville offers multiple grant opportunities throughout the year with varying deadlines - plan accordingly
• Priority is given to organizations directly addressing poverty and economic inequality in the region
• Small business grants focus on enterprises with limited access to traditional capital, particularly minority-owned businesses
• Women United grants offer unrestricted funding, providing flexibility in how funds are used
• School Readiness grants specifically prioritize expanding childcare access and improving teacher compensation
• Strong alignment with one of three core impact areas is essential for success
• The organization values collaborative approaches and partnerships with other community organizations

References

• United Way of Greater Charlottesville Official Website (unitedwaycville.org) - Accessed February 2026
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990 Filing (May 15, 2024)
• Charity Navigator Rating Profile - Accessed February 2026
• CBS19 News: "Accepting applications for grant funding to support women and children" - February 2026
• 29News: "Women United accepting grant applications for nonprofits serving women and children" - February 2026
• United Way Annual Report 2021 - Published on organization website
• Various program pages on unitedwaycville.org - Accessed February 2026