United Way of Anchorage

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3.3 million (2023)
• Success Rate: Not published
• Decision Time: 6-7 weeks
• Grant Range: Up to $15,000 (United Fund); varies for partner programs
• Geographic Focus: Anchorage, Alaska

Contact Details

• Website: www.unitedwayanc.org
• Phone: (907) 263-3800
• Email: Alaska211@ak.org (for Alaska 211 services)
• Address: PO Box 200108, Anchorage, AK 99520
• Physical Location: 8th Avenue, ConocoPhillips building, Suite 230, downtown Anchorage

Overview

United Way of Anchorage has served the Anchorage community for over 60 years, having received tax-exempt status in November 1961. In 2023, the organization distributed $3,275,685 in grants to 23 organizations, and in fiscal year 2024 allocated $1.17 million to 32 funded nonprofit partners. With a Charity Navigator Four-Star rating and 100% score, United Way of Anchorage operates as a trusted community convener that unites caring people to give, volunteer, and take action to remove barriers to opportunities. Their strategic approach focuses on building strong, financially secure families through targeted investments in health care nonprofits, youth programs, and community services. Under the leadership of President & CEO Eric Utraq Billingsley, appointed in July 2024, the organization continues its mission to make Anchorage a diverse, vibrant community where everyone can achieve their potential.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• United Fund Grant Program: Up to $15,000 (short-term projects responding to current community needs) - Online application with two annual funding cycles
• Community Investment/Funded Partners Program: Variable amounts for ongoing partnerships - $738,070 distributed to funded partners in FY 2024
• Unrestricted Annual Funding: Ongoing support for health care nonprofits (25+ year program)

Priority Areas

United Way of Anchorage funds projects in three main impact areas:

Financial Security

• Families staying in stable housing
• Workers gaining skills for better jobs
• Access to income, health, and housing supports
• Education and training opportunities
• Affordable childcare

Healthy Community

• Easier access to quality, affordable care
• Stronger support during medical crises
• Health services for underserved populations

Youth Opportunity

• Safe spaces for young Alaskans to learn and grow
• Programs helping youth discover possibilities
• Educational support and enrichment activities

What They Don't Fund

• Capital expenses or purchases of large durable goods (e.g., vehicles)
• Projects outside Anchorage/Alaska
• Private foundations (only public charities are eligible)
• Organizations without Alaska business license in good standing

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership:

• Eric Utraq Billingsley - President & CEO (appointed July 2024): Previously with NANA Regional Corporation for 15 years. "Walk for Warmth is all about sparking hope in our community. Every person here today is showing their neighbors that they care."
• Fred Miller - Chief Financial Officer
• Sue Brogan - Chief Operating Officer
• June Sobocinski - Vice President, Community Impact: 10 years as educator, working to improve outcomes for children and youth since 2004
• Gregory Gallagher - Vice President of Philanthropy: Promoted from Individual Giving Officer position

Board Chair:

• Natasha Pope - Chair, Board of Directors

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through United Way of Anchorage's website during two annual funding cycles:

• Round 1: Applications open November 17, 2025 - January 9, 2026; Awards announced February 23, 2026
• Round 2: Applications open April 6 - May 8, 2026; Reviews conclude May 29, 2026

Eligibility requirements:

• 501(c)(3) nonprofits registered in Alaska
• Classified as public charities (not private foundations)
• Alaska business license in good standing
• Serving people in Anchorage
• Organizations with budgets over $750,000 must have completed audit

Decision Timeline

• Application review: approximately 3-4 weeks after deadline
• Total process from deadline to award announcement: 6-7 weeks
• Two-step review process: Financial/operational review, then application review by staff and trained volunteers using point-based rubric
• Community Impact team must approve all awards

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly published. In recent years:

• 2023: 23 organizations received grants
• 2024: 32 funded nonprofit partners
• 2022: 22 awards made

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may reapply in subsequent funding cycles. No specific waiting period or restrictions mentioned for unsuccessful applicants.

Application Success Factors

Based on United Way of Anchorage's stated criteria and funded projects:

• Demonstrate clear alignment with one or more of the three impact areas (Financial Security, Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity)
• Respond to current Anchorage needs with compelling, community-responsive projects
• Present a single, short-term project with clear objectives and measurable outcomes
• Show potential for innovation through piloting new solutions or rapid-cycle testing
• Highlight collaboration opportunities with other agencies or organizations
• Provide evidence of financial soundness and results-based programs
• Focus on Anchorage residents specifically - projects must directly benefit the local community
• For larger organizations (budgets over $750,000): Ensure audit is complete and current

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• United Way of Anchorage offers two distinct funding opportunities annually with predictable timelines and clear deadlines
• Maximum grant of $15,000 makes this ideal for smaller projects, pilot programs, or specific components of larger initiatives
• The organization values innovation and collaboration - highlighting partnerships strengthens applications
• Financial review is a critical first step - ensure all compliance requirements are met before applying
• Focus proposals tightly on one of three impact areas rather than trying to address multiple priorities
• The 6-7 week decision timeline allows for planning and potentially applying to both annual rounds
• With nearly 70 years in Anchorage, they value organizations that understand and respond to specific local needs

References

• United Way of Anchorage Official Website: www.unitedwayanc.org (Accessed March 2026)
• United Way of Anchorage Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024)
• GuideStar Profile for United Way of Anchorage (EIN: 92-0027948) (Accessed March 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990 filings for United Way of Anchorage (Accessed March 2026)
• Charity Navigator Rating for United Way of Anchorage (100% Four-Star Rating) (Accessed March 2026)
• Alaska Business Magazine: "United Way of Anchorage Names New President and CEO" (July 2024)
• Alaska 211 Website: alaska211.org (Accessed March 2026)
• United Way Worldwide Directory Entry for Anchorage (Accessed March 2026)