United Way Grant Slam is Coming to Douglas County!
Big Ideas. Bold Solutions. Funding for Change.
United Way of Kaw Valley's Grant Slam is a live fundraising and grant competition that highlights innovative nonprofit solutions supporting ALICE households in Douglas County.
Local nonprofits will take the stage at this Shark Tank-style event to convince our judges and attendees to invest United Way grant dollars in their approaches. Grant Slam harnesses the innovative spirit of Lawrence and our surrounding communities to create, fund and expand solutions that align with United Way's impact areas and the the Douglas County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). Presenting finalists will be guaranteed a portion of the $30,000 Douglas County investment for this year.
Grant Slam gathers nonprofits, community leaders, businesses, donors, and residents to invest in solutions that strengthen our community. Selected finalists take the stage October 21 at Maceli's to pitch their plans to a panel of local judges and community supporters.
Why Grant Slam Matters
Many hardworking families in Douglas County struggle to afford basic needs despite being employed. Known as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), these households face challenges related to housing, childcare, transportation, food security, healthcare, and financial stability. Grant Slam seeks innovative solutions that help families move beyond crisis and build long-term stability.
United Way Grant Slam finalists will:
- Present their work at a live community event
- Compete for grant funding (no one leaves empty-handed, and the audience will award a bonus to their favorite proposal live at the event)
- Increase visibility for their organization
- Connect with community leaders and potential partners
- Showcase innovative solutions that address local challenges
- Advance strategies that improve outcomes for ALICE households
To be eligible, organizations must:
- Be a current 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizationServe residents of Douglas County, Kansas.
- Propose a project that benefits ALICE households (Kansas | UnitedForALICE).
- Demonstrate alignment with at least one Douglas County Community Health Improvement Plan priority area (LDCPH-CHIP_Plan-2025-11x85-v21).
- Be able to participate in the live Grant Slam event on October 21.
The Journey Begins August 3
- Applications open Monday, August 3. See the website for technical assistance office hours.
- Applications close Friday, August 28 at 5:00pm local time.
- UWKV will announce Grant Slam Finalists on Friday, September 11.
- Grant Slam event on October 21 from 6:00pm-9:00pm at Maceli's.
Get all the details at https://www.uwkawvalley.org/grantslam.
Questions about the application process or your program's eligibility? Please contact Aquia Pusch at 785-228-5122 or via at apusch@uwkawvalley.org.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
If you or your business would like to be part of this innovative local event, please reach out to Jarrod Guth or check out the sponsorship information on the United Way Grant Slam website.