Applications Now Open for Nonprofits

We know many basic needs organizations are working harder than ever to meet rising community needs while navigating funding cuts, increased costs, and fewer available resources.  UGN is deeply grateful for the critical work our local Safety Net continues to do to help Jefferson County residents remain safe, stable, and supported.

This year's Give Jefferson campaign sustains the focus on Basic Needs and Safety Net Services. The campaign is designed both to support essential nonprofit work and to invite the broader community to understand, value, and invest in the organizations that make our local safety net possible.

Eligible requests may support general operations or a specific program or service related to:

• Food assistance and essential supplies

• Housing, shelter, and homelessness prevention

• Physical or behavioral healthcare access

• Financial and household stability

• Safety and crisis support

• Transportation connected to essential needs

• Youth safety-net services

Youth enrichment, recreation, academic instruction, scholarships, and leadership-development programs are not eligible unless the primary purpose of the request is to address an identifiable safety-net or essential-needs gap.

Eligible applicants include Jefferson County serving nonprofit organizations, public agencies, tribal entities, school-affiliated nonprofits, and fiscally sponsored charitable projects.

Organizations may request up to $15,000 through the 2026 Give Jefferson campaign. If the campaign raises more than is needed to support initial awards, organizations may be considered for additional funding based on the strength and urgency of their request, demonstrated community need, and the availability of campaign funds.

Applications will be reviewed based on:

• Alignment with the campaign’s basic-needs and safety-net purpose

• The community need and population served

• Direct benefit to Jefferson County residents

• Accessibility and attention to barriers

• Feasibility of the proposed work

• The program’s role within the broader community safety-net landscape

• A clear and reasonable budget

• The organization’s ability to carry out the work and manage the funds

Because available funding is limited, meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee an award. Priority may be given to requests that address urgent gaps, serve residents with few other resources, prevent a more serious crisis, reach underserved communities, and provide timely and practical assistance.

Grant recipients will be asked to submit a brief report in June 2027 describing how funds were used, what was learned, and the impact of the funding.  The application link below is located in Jefferson Community Foundation's new Nonprofit Portal. All Jefferson County nonprofits were recently invited to sign up for the portal. If you have not done so, you will need to create a new account in the portal. Please review your previous invitation, with instructions, or contact Crystie if you need assistance with this.