We are proud to put $40,000 to work through our latest round of Community Impact grants. These awards are a direct investment in local solutions, ensuring critical resources reach the neighbors and programs that strengthen our community every day.
Blast Back to School - $2,500
A $2,500 investment is helping Blast Back to School provide essential supplies to students across our community. This funding ensures local students head into the classroom with the tools they need to feel confident, prepared, and ready to thrive from day one.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Story County - $2,500
We are thrilled to invest $2,500 in the Boys and Girls Clubs of Story County to help launch their brand-new Garden Club. This program will give local youth the chance to get their hands in the dirt, learn about healthy food, and watch their hard work bloom into something amazing.
HIRTA - $7,500
HIRTA received $7,500 for their Health Connector Program, ensuring that transportation is never a barrier to well-being. This funding provides a reliable link for our neighbors to reach vital healthcare appointments, making a healthier Story County possible for everyone.
The Nevada Community Cupboard - $7,500
A $7,500 investment is helping the Nevada Community Cupboard provide reliable nutrition to families through the Filling the Gaps initiative. This funding ensures that local families have a dependable source of nutritious food, turning empty cupboards into consistent plates and a stronger community safety net.
Raising Readers in Story County - $3,890
A $3,890 grant is bringing the Parenting In Flow Labs to families across Story County. This program helps caregivers lead with calm and connection, ensuring Story County children have the steady foundation they need to succeed in school and life.
Reiman Gardens - $6,310
Reiman Gardens received $6,310 to scale up its Grow & Give initiative. This expansion means more garden-fresh produce reaching the tables of Story County families who need it most.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Ames Chapter - $2,250
A $2,250 investment is helping Sleep in Heavenly Peace ensure no kid sleeps on the floor in our community. This funding fuels their mission to build and deliver 200 beds this year, providing the rest and stability every child needs to thrive.
Story Time Childcare Center - $4,550
Play is the foundation of learning! This $4,550 grant is helping Story Time Childcare Center level up their outdoor play space. By investing in quality playground equipment, we’re supporting the physical development and well-being of our youngest neighbors.
Vision to Learn - $3,000
$3,000 investment is helping Vision to Learn bring critical eye care directly to our students. By removing barriers to vision screenings and glasses, we are ensuring that every child in Story County has the "clear view" required to reach their full potential.
2026 Grant Timeline
January 15: Prescreen opens
January 29: Prescreen deadline (11:59 PM)
January 30: Prescreen notification (or earlier)
February 20: Full application deadline (11:59 PM)
March 5-26: Application review by UWSC Allocations Committee and Board
March 27: Funding decision notifications
March 30 - April 3: Data collection planning with funded agencies
April 6: Grant Agreement Letters sent to agencies
April 13: Signed agreements are due back to UWSC
April 15: Checks mailed and 6 month report forms emailed
October 15: Final reports due (or when project completed)
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
- Nonprofit human service organizations/agencies in Story County.
- Organizations/agencies must have non-profit status (or have a fiscal agent who has non-profit status) and be able to provide its federal employer ID/EIN and an IRD determination letter.
Please complete the eligibility form above and a member from the UWSC team will reach out to you on or before January 30, 2026 to let you know if you are approved to move to the application phase.
- Alignment with the UWSC Financial Empowerment and Collective Well-Being goals
- Service to low- to moderate-income populations
- Matching funds or community resources - demonstrates commitment and multiplies impact
- New or expanded programs not currently funded through UWSC or ASSET
- Capital expenditures (equipment, technology, infrastructure)
- Programs already funded by UWSC or through ASSET process
- Year-over-year operational funding or ongoing staff salaries
- Non-essential program expenses (t-shirts, prizes, etc.)
- Endowments
- Fundraising events or organizational parties
- Political campaigns, events, or lobbying activities
- Standalone travel or conference costs
- Programs with inherently religious activities (worship, prayer, proselytizing, religious instruction)