HLUW Grant Funding
Working with engaged community members to allocate funds to programs and projects that work to improve the health, education and financial stability of EVERY person in EVERY community we serve.
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About Our Community Investment Process
We believe in comprehensive solutions to combat our region’s most pressing issues. Through our community investment process, local nonprofits and agencies can apply for program funding that addresses a need in the health, education or financial stability focus areas. Our process is completely community driven, meaning application review and funding decisions are made by community members. Every program funded through Head of the Lakes United Way is monitored, evaluated and measured for effectiveness. In this way, HLUW validates that investments get results and make a difference where it matters most.
Interested in more information? Contact Jaci Christiansen, HLUW Community Impact Director: jchristiansen@hlunitedway.org.
Qualifications for funding this Cycle:
- Funding is program based, not general operating
- The program seeking funding must serve one of HLUW’s Geographic Areas:
- Ashland & Bayfield Counties
- Greater Duluth
- Lake & Cook Counties
- Superior-Douglas County
- The program should fall into at least one of the three HLUW Impact Areas:
- Health
- Education
- Financial Stability
- The program has a demonstrated effort in serving individuals experiencing ALICE.
- 501(c)3 or an orgaization with a fiscal sponsor
- Applications are due: 11:59 PM, January 2, 2026
We held a webinar in October covering more information about our applications process.
You can find a recording of that meeting here:
Geographic Area
Proudly serving Lake & Cook Counties, Superior-Douglas County, Ashland & Bayfield Counties, Greater Duluth which includes; Duluth, Hermantown, Proctor, Rice Lake, and the townships of Duluth, Solway, Grand Lake, Fredenberg, Gnesen, Normanna, Canosia, Lakewood, and Midway.
*Organizations applying for program funding must reside in one of the following geographical locations.
IMPACT AREAS
Programs requesting funding should fit in one of the following focus areas.
Health
By making it easier for individuals to access substance abuse programs, receive quality health care and access nutritious foods, we’re striving to help everyone get—and stay—healthy.
Education
We’re striving to shift the odds so tomorrow’s leaders can build a better foundation today. With an approach to education that spans from cradle to career, we’re ensuring every child gets a strong start in life, teenagers have the tools to learn and grow, and young adults thrive in the job market.
Financial Stability
We’re striving to put every person, in every community, on a path toward financial empowerment. That starts with access to housing, job training, credit counseling and money management programs.
ALICE
ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE households are often struggling in plain sight, earning above the federal poverty level, but less than the costs of their basic needs. This data helps us look not just at those who experiencing poverty but a look at what it takes to be able to afford basic expenses at a community level. We encourage you to learn more about ALICE at your state specific site.
A Community Driven Approach
Our funding process is not possible without our community investment panels. These panels are comprised of individuals who live in our geographic regions. They review, evaluate, and provide recommendations regarding funding. We love that our funds allocated are backed by our community and that our work speaks to what our community really wants. If you are interested in learning more about serving on our panels, we put together a description along with application information.
Application Materials
We are utilizing Microsoft Forms for this application cycle. Since you are unable to save an in-progress application, we are also providing a PDF. If you would like a working word document, please reach out to Jaci Christiansen jchristiansen@hlunitedway.org
2025 FUNDED COMMUNITY PARTNERS & AGENCIES
The programs we fund and community organizations we partner with come from differing backgrounds and situations. In the end, our goal is the same for all whom we help. To provide answers to the problems many do not want to face.
DONATE TO OUR EFFORTS
Thank you – Every dollar you give to Head of the Lakes United Way creates opportunities and inspires hope for a better tomorrow. Your gift supports the foundation of many communities through the work of local programs that impact people’s lives in a real and meaningful way.
Questions or Need Assistance?
Contact Jaci Christiansen – jchristiansen@hlunitedway.org – 218.726.4889
Community investment panelist
Head of the Lakes United Way’s (HLUW) Community Investment Process requires volunteer panelists to review and evaluate partner agency requests for United Way funding in the following Geographic Areas: Greater Duluth, Lake & Cook Counties, Superior-Douglas
County and Ashland & Bayfield Counties. Panelists review applications and hear program presentations. Each panel is intended to be comprised of a broad representation of the community.
