PHOENIX (Jan. 22, 2025)—Valley of the Sun United Way is pleased to announce the opening of its 2025-2026 request for proposals for eligible nonprofits, schools and other community organizations operating throughout Maricopa County.

Through its community-driven MC2026 plan for Mighty Change, Valley of the Sun United Way brings together public, private and social sector partners so every child, family and individual is healthy, has a safe place to live and has every opportunity to succeed in school, work and life. These partners are a fundamental and critical component aligned to reach the bold goals of the MC2026 plan. Applicants must align their community programs and/or services with the MC2026 priorities to improve outcomes in the areas of education, housing and homelessness, health and workforce development.

MC2026 goals include:

• Increasing third grade reading proficiency by 25%
• Increasing youth ages 16-24 engaged in education and employment opportunities by 38%
• Reducing homelessness by 50%
• Decreasing food insecurity by 50%
• Increasing access to affordable health care by 100,000 individuals
• Increasing achievement of higher-paying employment by 20%
• Increasing preparation for a living-wage job by 33%

Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or a school serving the residents of Maricopa County to be eligible for funding. Proposals received from organizations by 5 p.m. MST on Thursday, Feb. 20, will be reviewed by a dedicated committee of subject matter experts comprised of both United Way staff and external industry professionals and community members. Funding recommendations are then presented to the Valley of the Sun United Way Board of Directors for final consideration and approval. Organizations will be notified of their proposal status in June with grant awards beginning in July.

For more information or to submit a proposal for FY26 funding, please visit www.vsuw.org/apply. Questions regarding the proposal and funding process can be directed to Eileana Gudiño at (602) 631-4883 or egudino@vsuw.org.

To learn more about Valley of the Sun United Way’s MC2026 plan for Mighty Change at www.vsuw.org/MightyChange.

About Valley of the Sun United Way
Valley of the Sun United Way envisions a community where every child, family and individual is healthy, has a safe place to live, and has every opportunity to succeed in school, in life and in work. As we work with our community, corporate and nonprofit partners to implement our five-year plan for Mighty Change by 2026, Valley of the Sun United Way will put all of its efforts toward reaching Bold Goals for Maricopa County in health, housing and homelessness, education and workforce development. Join us at www.vsuw.org.

Media Contact
Ryan Narramore, 602.499.8894, RNarramore@vsuw.org