United Way Youth Community Investment Process
The Catawba County United Way Youth Council was formed in 2003 under the direction of Stephen Shuford, a United Way Board member and business leader in our community, and began the annual United Way Youth Community Investment grant cycle. Shuford led this effort with the belief that youth who become involved in their community as a teen, continue to be active as they become adults.
In 2014, the Catawba County United Way Youth Council merged with the Catawba County Youth Council led by Donna Mull with Catawba County Cooperative Extension. The group is made up of 32 high school students with at least one representative from each high school in the county. Membership applications are available through the guidance departments at the local high schools or by calling 828-465-8240.
2025/26 Grant Funding Awards
The Catawba County Youth Council met in person in April of 2025 to vote on how much to fund the programs of local agencies through the annual Catawba County United Way Youth Community Investment process. The Council focused on supporting those programs that benefited Catawba County students from all three public school systems, grade pre-K to high school in the targeted impact areas of Health and Education.
The group decided to distribute their annual $10,000 in funding to the following Agencies and Programs:
Youth Council Grant Applications
The Youth Council will accept Requests for 2024 Funding Proposals (RFPs) targeted on the Impact Areas of Health and/or Education as they relate to the needs and wellbeing of children and youth (ages 0-18) in our community.
2025 applications closed.
2026 Applications open next February.
April 14 Presentations - for agencies chosen by the Youth Council to advance after application reviews.
Apply at THIS LINK
Criteria to apply:
- Grants requests are $3,000 or less.
- Incorporated as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt entity or who have a 501-C3 legal status, within Catawba County.
- Comply with applicable legal, federal, state and local operating and reporting requirements (e.g. government approved accounting practices, annual audit, 990, nondiscrimination).
- Provide proof of their non-profit status (copy of 501-C3).
- Not currently receiving funds through any other CCUW grant cycle for this specific program.
Questions? Contact John Bailey at jbailey@ccunitedway.com or call 828-327-6851.
How it works
The Youth Council focuses on giving a voice to the young people of Catawba County in matters of government and increase involvement in volunteerism and giving back to the community. They are also the lead group for the United Way Youth Community Investment process where dollars are allocated to agency programs that specifically benefit children and teens locally.
The Youth Council meets monthly during the school year. Meetings often include presentations on topics of interest to this age group as well as informative sessions featuring county government and non-profit representatives.
Applications from non-profits for the United Way Youth Community Investment process are typically accepted in early March. More information is available by contacting Catawba County United Way by phone at 828-327-6851.
VIDEO - 2019 Youth Council Community Investment Process
