• Release date: February 1, 2024

The Underserved Communities Foundation is committed to reducing poverty by empowering the underserved. UCF is currently seeking grant proposals for funding from eligible organizations providing programs addressing gaps in services and programming for underserved communities within El Paso County in alignment with UCF priority areas. 

Priority Areas/Economic Development Pillars

UCF understands that the key to a thriving society lies in the development and empowerment of underserved communities. Underserved communities are not areas or zip codes within a city, they are individuals and families facing additional barriers preventing them from breaking the cycle of poverty. UCF partners with these individuals, families, and nonprofit organizations to identify and fill in gaps in services in underserved communities.

1.  Affordable/accessible credit and savings

    Financial inclusion, a key component for personal economic development, means individuals have access to useful and affordable financial products that meet their needs. People need the ability to establish and develop credit while savings offer the opportunity        to establish security. Financial education and literacy is the key to financial well-being.

2.  Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, & Accessibility

    UCF believes in the purposeful and intentional implementation of systems, practices, and actions that promote justice, representation, and fairness to provide equitable access to opportunities and resources for underserved communities.

3.  Education

    Often referred to as the great equalizer, high-quality and equitable education equips people with knowledge to understand themselves holistically, the world they live in, and the knowledge to enhance their lives. 

4.  Employment

    Employment provides the opportunity for individuals to produce income and contribute to the economic development of their communities. 

5.  Environment

    The environment and its adequate management of resources provide its communities with life support, natural resources for production and consumption, and supplies amenities. 

6.  Food Security

    Food insecurity is characterized by the lack of access to nutritious, safe, and sufficient quality food. At times families experiencing food insecurity reduce food intake and normal eating patterns are disrupted due to lack of money and other resources for food.

7.  Health

    Promoting physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being (to adapt and self-manage) is essential to human development.

8.  Housing

    UCF is committed to facilitating and ensuring that underserved communities have a place to live in such as a house, apartment, lodging, or shelter.

9.  Technology

    With its constant improvement, technology and continuous access to newer technology plays a part in almost all aspects of people’s lives. Access to technology can significantly improve people’s efficiency, particularly in the areas of employment, educational opportunities, and access to competitive credit and savings.

10. Transportation

     Transportation provides access. The better transportation is for an individual or family being efficient public transportation or personal vehicle, the better the opportunity to access other forms of economic pillars such as education, employment, health, food, and more. 

Funding Timeline

Request for proposal release date: February 1, 2023

Full proposals due to UCF via website: March 22, 2024, by 5:00 pm (Mountain Time)

Notice of Grant Award (NOGA): April 26, 2024

Funding cycle: May 1, 2024

Funding is limited and designated for direct program services only. Examples of non-funded items:

Reimbursement
for past expenses

Indirect,
overhead costs or pass-through expenses

Grants
to individuals

Construction
and brick and mortar

Endowment
funds

Capital
campaigns

Research

Political
campaigns

Religious
purposes

Lobbying

Service Region: El Paso County currently

Proposal Guidelines

Please complete and submit your funding application through the UCF website. Your proposal should succinctly outline how your project aims to empower individuals and families to break the cycle of poverty and progress toward self-sufficiency.

UCF is dedicated to supporting initiatives that address unmet needs within our communities. Therefore, we prioritize projects that target underserved populations, expand services to those currently lacking access, and bridge gaps in existing support systems.

Please ensure that your proposal clearly articulates how your project aligns with these objectives. We are particularly interested in funding projects that demonstrate innovative approaches to addressing poverty and fostering sustainable pathways to economic independence.

 Proposals must include the following:

Project Name.

Project Narrative: describe how your project will help underserved communities break the cycle of poverty. (5000 characters)

Project Goals: define specific, measurable goals for your project, expected outcomes, and impact. (2000 characters)

Evaluation and Measurement: describe how you will measure the success of your project including key performance indicators and evaluation methods. (2000 characters)

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging & Accessibility: comprehensive DEIBA plan describing what efforts will be made to ensure that
services provided with UCF funding will be equitable and inclusive and how these efforts will be measured. (5000 characters)

Amount requested.

Budget Narrative (pdf): describe how the funds will be used. (2000 characters)

Budget Worksheet (excel).

Your agency’s most recent Form 990 submitted to the IRS.