This page is dedicated to help returning and new applicants navigate the Allocation Application and Allocations Interview process. Please read below for eligibility requirements, instructions to apply, what to expect in the Allocations Interview, and other related topics. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the Watertown Area United Way office.
Requirements for funding from Watertown Area United Way:
- Your organization must be an incorporated nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, a county or city program partnered with an incorporated nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, or a county or city program.
- If your organization is an incorporated nonprofit/charitable 501(c)(3) organization, you need to provide a copy of the letter that certifies your tax-exempt status under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) when submitting your online application.
- If your organization is a county or city program partnered with a 501(c)(3) organization, you must provide a Memorandum of Understanding, a letter signed by both parties, or another form of documentation that states both parties agree to the partnership.
- If your organization is a county or city program, you need to provide an explanation of governance in a letter or a governmental information letter, a tax EIN number if applicable, and an organizational chart.
- Your organization must be governed by a responsible and active volunteer Board of Directors that serves without pay, meets regularly, and exercises effective administrative control.
- The funding request should be for an ongoing program or expense, as Watertown Area United Way does not fund one-time projects or individuals. They aim to support programs that serve the most people in the Watertown Area, either by providing education, bettering health, or supporting financial stability.
- Your organization must have operated in the Watertown community or in the state of South Dakota for at least one full year or more before applying for funding from Watertown Area United Way.
- The application for funding is only open once a year. Application is open March 1st, 2024, and closed at 5:00 PM April 18th, 2024.
- Please note that all funds awarded in 2024 will be allocated during the year 2025 and are dependent upon the United Way reaching its set annual campaign goal in the Fall/Winter. If the goal is not met by the campaign Wrap-Up, the Allocations Committee has the right to adjust the allocated amounts accordingly.
How to apply:
All applicants are required to have or create an account to complete and submit your online application. All applicants will also need to prepare and submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) within the online application. You will be asked for a list of Board Members, program photos, financial documents and more. To prepare use the 2024 Allocation Checklist to help you gather all necessary documents beforehand.
Applicants will be required to provide financial forms, audits, and other related documentation. Additionally, they will be asked to submit their most recent success story for United Way publicity and use during campaign season. Any related photos may be uploaded within the online application. If you have any trouble uploading photos, please contact director@watertownunitedway.org.
Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. Late applications will NOT be accepted. Specific required fields will be marked with a red asterisk. Watertown Area United Way funds education, health, and financial stability. Our mission is to meet the most basic human care needs. Allocations go to those who can serve the most people, are good stewards, and haven proven capacity to handle funding.
Letter of Intent:
The Letter of Intent may be uploaded within the online application. The purpose of L.O.I. is described below.
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To communicate interest in becoming or remaining a partner agency with Watertown Area United Way.
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Submission of a LOI does not guarantee funding but it is an application requirement. Without the LOI your application will be viewed as INCOMPLETE and will NOT be accepted.
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You may address the LOI to Watertown Area United Way, Watertown Area United Way Board of Directors.
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Tip: Put your LOI on letter head, include your mission statement, statistics, share a brief explanation of why funding is needed, thank United Way for previous years of funding (if applicable), and include both the agency name and program name somewhere in the LOI. Don't be afraid to include quotes from those served or explain how your agency falls underneath a primary focus area(s): education, health, and financial stability.
To view a sample LOI click here.
Online Account Log in Information:
This username and password will be the same username and password you will use for any future agency applications. If needed, you can request a copy of past applications from the Watertown Area United Way office at (605) 886-5815 or email director@watertownunitedway.org.
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CREATE AN ACCOUNT (New users only - an email will be sent to you)
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LOGIN HERE (If you already have a username and password)
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LOGOUT (Be sure to log out once you have saved your draft or submitted your application)
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RESET YOUR PASSWORD (if your email has been used previously to create an account, then you can reset your password by clicking on the link)
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RECOVER AN OLD ACCOUNT (If you are having any trouble accessing your account, resetting a password, need to recover an old account, anything, then please contact United Way's Website Account Manager Christina Godfrey at christina@oneeach.com)
To preview the 2024 Allocation Application questions please click here.
The Allocation Interview:
After all agency interviews are scheduled, the Executive Director of United Way will share the schedule with all applying agencies. If you have a conflict with your interview time, please get in touch with the United Way office via email at director@watertownunitedway.org or phone at (605) 886-5815. United Way will try their best to accommodate everyone's schedule, but they may not be able to fulfill every request. Interviews will take around 15 minutes. The allocation interviews are typically held on Wednesday morning and Thursday afternoon.
At least one representative of the applying agency is REQUIRED to appear before the Allocations Committee to give a brief presentation about the agency program, answer any questions about application, or address any concerns brought up by the Allocations Committee. The Watertown Area United Way Board of Directors will make the final decision concerning the allocation of United Way funds and reserves the right to approve or deny any application for funding, whether based on the above criteria and requirements or for any other reason.
To preview the 2024 Presentation Template please click here.
Partner Agency Requirements:
The Watertown Area United Way is a local independent non-profit funded by thousands of individuals and businesses who generously contribute to the annual United Way Campaign. United Way looks to support organizations and programs in Watertown but will accept applications from the surrounding areas in neighboring counties. In reviewing applications for United Way funding, the Watertown Area United Way Allocations Committee is most interested in programs that provide services in the areas listed below:
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Health
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Education
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Financial Stability
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Safety
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Human and Social Services
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Wholesome Recreation for Children
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Address Other Major Community Needs
The following information is important to consider if you wish to request funding from the Watertown Area United Way. Please note that awarded programs are expected to recognize Watertown Area United Way as a partner agency through public acknowledgement, such as banners, t-shirts, stickers, plaques, social media shout-outs, or other forms of recognition. Partner agencies should cover the cost of recognition and not request additional funding for this purpose. You may find additional information in the Partner Agency Toolkit.
Partner agencies must attend the Kick-off Event, Wrap-up Event, Recognition Celebration, and any additional Agency Meetings. While not required, volunteering as a Loaned Executive or Business Division volunteer is greatly appreciated.
During the period of September 1st to October 31st, the Watertown Area United Way implements a Black Out Policy. Under this policy, partner agencies are advised to avoid any fundraising drives or solicitation activities during this time period. If partner agencies violate this policy, it may lead to a loss of funding or other disciplinary actions as decided by the Watertown Area United Way. The purpose behind this policy is to ensure that donors have ample time to consider the various charitable organizations they wish to support and make a thoughtful decision. By respecting the Black Out Policy, partner agencies can help to maintain the integrity of the fundraising process and the Watertown Area United Way's mission to support the community.
All funds allocated during 2025 are dependent on the United Way reaching its campaign goal in the Fall and Winter of 2024. If the goal is not met by the Wrap-up event in 2025, the allocated amounts will be adjusted accordingly. To be considered for funding, applicants must complete and submit an online application confirming their agreement to comply with United Way requirements. Failure to comply may result in reduced or lost funding. The deadline for submission is Thursday, April 18, 2024.
2024 Allocations Timeline for 2025 Funding:
- March 1, 2024 - Online Application are open on www.watertownunitedway.org.
- April 18, 2024 - Online applications and Letters of Intent are due by 5:00pm Thursday, April 18th, 2024. The online portal will close at this time.
- May 8 & 9, 2024 - Allocation Interviews will be held at Lake Area Technical College upstairs on the fourth floor.
- May 9,2024 - Allocations Committee will meet with the full Board of Directors to discuss 2025 allocation amounts.
- June 2024 - If needed the Board of Directors will discuss further at the June meeting about allocation amounts.
- June 2024 - Award Letters will be sent out to the accepted 2024-2025 partner agencies. Agencies who do not receive 2025 funding will be reached by email or phone for an update on their funding request.
- August 2024 - Watertown Area United Way Kick-off
- September 1st - October 31st, 2024 - Black Out Period.
- August 2024 - January/February 2025 - Watertown Area United Way 2024-2025 Annual Campaign
- January 2025 - First 2025 allocation will be sent to partner agencies unless you are a reimbursement allocation. For reimbursement the invoices accrued the month prior must be sent to United Way and our accountant by the end of the following month.
- February 2025 - Watertown Area United Way Campaign Wrap-up