The Bristol Observer

October 8, 2014

United Way of West Central Connecticut (UWWCC) will begin accepting letters of intent for their 2015-2018 Funding Cycle.  Any non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that serves the communities of Bristol, Burlington, Plainville or Plymouth/Terryville may submit a Letter of Intent for a program they wish to have funded. 

The program applying for funding must address one or more of the three UWWCC Building Blocks and at least one Outcome (listed below).  It is United Way’s responsibility to ensure that it has a measurable and verifiable impact on the critical needs identified in the community.  The UWWCC Board of Directors will allocate the undesignated funds raised through its Community Campaign among the three Building Blocks:

1) Education - Helping Children and Youth Achieve Their Potential

As part of the Education Building Block, programs must address one of the following – Families are actively engaged with their children in programs, activities and/or experiences; children are prepared for success in kindergarten; youth demonstrate age-appropriate social, emotional and cognitive skills; and youth become engaged in their community through increased volunteerism.

2) Income – Promoting Financial Stability & Independence

As part of the Income Building Block, programs must address one of the following – Adults improve/develop life skills necessary for self-sufficiency; and families and individuals work toward self-sufficiency by meeting basic needs.

3) Health – Improving People’s Health

As part of the Health Building Block, programs must address one of the following – People in physical or emotional distress access timely services resulting in improvement in functioning; and older, isolated adults access services to increase their connection to their communities.

Prior to accepting full proposals for this funding opportunity, the United Way of West Central Connecticut invites Letters of Intent from all interested organizations.  Based on the viability and strength of the proposal as presented in this letter, select organizations will be asked to submit a full proposal for consideration.

A Letter of Intent should include the following:

• Name of organization (must be a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization)
• Brief description of the organization and its mission (no more than one paragraph)
• Information on intended program/services, including target population and communities served
• Identify Building Block(s) to be addressed and how it relates to this program
• Identify corresponding Outcome(s) and explain how it will be addressed
• Amount requested from UWWCC.

Letter should be no longer than two pages.  Letters must reach the United Way office by 12:00 Noon on Friday, November 7, 2014.  Email submissions are acceptable and you will receive electronic confirmation upon receipt. 

Please address Letter of Intent to: Elizabeth Bohmier, Community Impact Coordinator, United Way of West Central Connecticut, 200 Main Street, Bristol, CT 06010.  Or email: ebohmier@uwwestcentralct.org