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United Way opens 2023 Level Up & Launch grant program

(Source: United Way of Lancaster County)

United Way of Lancaster County is welcoming applications for the 2023 cycle of its Level Up & Launch grants.

This is the second year for the program. As before, United Way is making up to $500,000 available for Lancaster County organizations working to create scalable, and innovative solutions to advance the education, economic mobility, and health of Lancaster County residents.

United Way first will distribute $250,000 in grants of $10,000 to $50,000. Organizations are then invited to raise funds on their own through Friday, Nov. 10, which will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to the amount of the initial grant.

So, for example, an organization that receives a $20,000 Level Up & Launch grant, then raises $20,000, will receive $20,000 more, for a total United Way investment of $40,000 and a grand total of $60,000.

With $250,000 in initial grants, $250,000 in partner fundraising and $250,000 in matching funds, Level Us & Launch has the potential to deploy $750,000 to serve the Lancaster County community.

More information and application materials are available on the United Way of Lancaster County website. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, March 17.

For 2023, United Way is encouraging applicants to use the Lancaster County Racial Equity Profile to guide their proposals.

“The data in the Racial Equity Profile can help organizations identify gaps and disparities in resources while suggesting a framework for developing and improving policies,” the organization said.

Two free information sessions are being offered to answer any questions that organizations may have regarding the grant process:

Session 1 (virtual): 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, March 3, via Zoom. To register, click here.

Session 2 (in person): 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 14 at United Way’s offices, 1910 Harrington Drive, Lancaster. To register, click here.

Questions about the sessions or the Level Up & Launch program may be directed to Aiza Ashraf, director of equity and community impact.

In conjunction with Level Us & Launch United Way will provide capacity-building opportunities for grantee organizations, such as participation in Project Blueprint, its initiative to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in nonprofit leadership.

In 2022, United Way awarded Level Up & Launch grants to nine local organizations. To read about them, use the links in this article.