United Way of Greenville County today issued a new Request for Proposals (RFP) focused on creating pathways to prosperity and equity for all.

United Way is seeking to address the most pressing needs of our region in the impact areas of Financial Stability, Education, and Vibrant and Equitable Communities. To increase educational opportunities and economic security for marginalized, disconnected communities and reduce social, financial, and economic barriers, United Way will support community efforts around education and financial stability.

“On our best day in Greenville County, nearly 60,000 people are struggling to make ends meet, so we are laser focused on bringing individuals and families in our community from poverty to prosperity,” said Meghan Barp, president and CEO of United Way of Greenville County. “We have worked hard over the past two years to create an approach to funding that will not only create a pathway out of poverty, but will also build a structure that is centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

The RFP was informed by community conversations and roundtable conversations with community leaders, United Way’s Board of Directors, and volunteer leadership committees. United Way staff analyzed 38 community conversations, procured two major studies, including a Neighborhood Change Study and Race and Economic Mobility Index, to better understand the challenges our community faces and best leverage opportunities for United Way to support community solutions.

“This Request for Proposals represents a bold new vision for United Way’s work in Greenville County,” said United Way Board of Directors Chair Jason Richards. “Grounded in extensive research and informed by on-the-ground experience, these new investment strategies are designed to address the challenges through innovation, collaboration and investment.”

Applications under the new RFP will be due by Thursday, June 11, 2020, at 5 p.m. and funding will begin in October.