Applications for a pair of grants focused on breaking the cycle of poverty in Douglas County are now open, the United Way of Douglas County announced recently.

The United Way is accepting proposals for its Family Stabilization and Anti-Poverty grants through May 18. Agencies can apply for both grant opportunities, which would fund projects for a grant period from July of 2022 to June of 2023. Anti-poverty projects will be funded up to $50,000, and Family Stabilization projects will be funded up to $25,000.

According to information on the United Way’s website, Family Stabilization funds are intended to provide direct assistance to low-income families to stabilize a financial crisis and prevent homelessness; utility shutoffs; or abusive or unsafe environments. For the Anti-Poverty projects, grant funding will be prioritized toward projects with a whole-family approach and an emphasis on people of color with minor children.

Both grants share the same eligibility criteria and application and review process. The United Way’s funding requirements include that agencies that apply must be service organizations with section 501(c)3 charitable status providing services to people in Douglas County.

Agencies interested in applying, or those with questions about the grants, can send an email to grants@unitedwaydgco.org.