Investing in What Matters Most
Community priorities guide how we invest resources to create meaningful impact across Northeast Louisiana.
United Way of Northeast Louisiana works to create opportunities for children to succeed, help families achieve financial stability, and strengthen the health of our communities. We do this by listening to our community and strategically investing in Collaboratives, Initiatives, and Partner Programs that help advance our shared goals for Northeast Louisiana.
How Our Investment Decisions Are Made
Our investment process begins with listening to our community and identifying the goals that matter most to the people who live and work here. Learn more about the priorities that guide our investment and how you can be part of the process.
We believe bringing community voices to the table is essential to understanding the opportunities and challenges facing our region. In February 2017, United Way of Northeast Louisiana volunteers and staff embarked on a Listening Tour to gain a deeper understanding of the aspirations local people have for our community.
More than 560 people participated in over 75 conversations across five area parishes, sharing their perspectives on what they wanted for the future of Northeast Louisiana.
Through these conversations, several common themes emerged:
- A safe community with less crime, violence, and substance abuse
- More unity and equality with people working together
- A well-educated and workforce-ready community
- A healthy community
- Community growth and economic development
- Addressing poverty and homelessness
- Increased community involvement and awareness
These community perspectives helped shape the aspirations and impact goals that continue to guide our work and investments.
The themes identified through community conversations helped United Way of Northeast Louisiana establish aspirations and impact goals that guide our work and investments. These priorities focus our efforts on creating opportunities for children to succeed, helping families achieve financial stability, and strengthening the health of our communities.
Children, Youth, and Young Adults Successful in School and Life
- Children Enter School Ready
- Students are Successful in Elementary School and prepared for middle/secondary school
- Youth gain the knowledge, skills, and credentials so that they are prepared for the workforce and are able to obtain family sustaining employment
Economic Opportunity for All
- Individuals and families have adequate and sustainable resources to support their needs
- Individuals and families have the skills, knowledge, relationships, and economic pathways they need to effectively increase and manage their income
- Vulnerable populations maximize their ability to live with independence and dignity
- People/organizations continue to work together to support a thriving, prosperous, robust economy
Healthy and Safe Individuals, Families, and Community
- Families/individuals live in a healthy and safe environment
- People/organizations work together to strengthen and build a more inclusive community
Community volunteers play an important role in United Way of Northeast Louisiana's investment process. Volunteers help review information and provide valuable community perspective as funding decisions are considered.
Community Investment volunteer registration is currently closed. Please check back for future opportunities to participate in the investment process.
Becoming a Partner Program
United Way of Northeast Louisiana welcomes community investment applications from eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving residents of Northeast Louisiana in areas aligned with our community aspirations. A pre-application is required and is the first step in the application process.
2027 Application Cycle
Our next pre-application period will open in early 2027. Please check back for application information and important deadlines.
Prepare to Apply
organizations interested in applying are encouraged to review our Partner Agency Standards to learn more about eligibility, requirements, and expectations.