Granting Futures for Greater Impact
UBF invests in local, grassroots nonprofit agencies that serve Greater Cleveland. Our core funding areas are Human Needs, Workforce Development, and Education. UBF also supports Social Justice initiatives as part of its current grant strategy.
2026 Grant Cycle Announcement
Applications are not currently being accepted. Dates and instructions for the next grant cycle will be posted here when confirmed.
The 2026 grant application period is not yet open. Application dates, eligibility details, and submission instructions will be posted here when they are finalized.
Questions about eligibility or the application process? Contact info@unitedblackfund.org.
Four Areas of Strategic Funding
UBF's traditional grant awards range from $5,000 to $10,000 and support organizations addressing critical community needs across Greater Cleveland.
Human Needs · $5,000–$10,000
ClosedHuman Needs Grants
Funding for programs providing assistance to those with emergency needs arising from a crisis situation. Programming focuses on restoring the person or family to an acceptable level of functioning by assisting with food, shelter, clothing, personal items, health needs, or transportation.
Education · $5,000–$10,000
ClosedEducation Grants
Funding should emphasize early childhood development, middle and high school programs, and college preparation. Programs must reflect a strong commitment to education and access for low-income and under-served populations.
Workforce Development · $5,000–$10,000
ClosedWorkforce Development Grants
Funding for programs assisting individuals entering or returning to the workforce. Special emphasis is given to programs serving those with little or no connection to the job market, including those previously incarcerated.
Social Justice · $5,000–$10,000
ClosedSocial Justice Grants
Funding for organizations dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers and advocating for policy reforms that promote equality, dignity, and justice for all. Programs should impact disparities in employment, environment, healthcare, food, housing, and re-entry.
Grant Application Questions
When the grant cycle opens, applications are submitted through our grant portal.
Community Investment
At United Black Fund, community investment means more than writing a check. We invest in the organizations doing the work, the leaders carrying the vision, and the infrastructure that helps impact last. Our commitment is to put resources behind organizations serving Greater Cleveland's Black communities while helping strengthen their ability to grow, sustain, and create measurable change. As UBF rebuilds its grantmaking strategy for the future, we remain committed to investing in community today while listening carefully to what nonprofit organizations need next.
2026 Community Investment Awards
UBF is investing $50,000 in nonprofit organizations making a meaningful difference across Cuyahoga County.
The 2026 Community Investment Awards will provide year-end funding to organizations demonstrating strong community impact, innovative approaches to community needs, and meaningful service to underserved populations.
Applications open September 28, 2026.
View Award DetailsHelp Shape the Future of UBF Grantmaking
UBF is listening.
Beginning September 21, nonprofit organizations across our community are invited to participate in the UBF Nonprofit Community Needs Survey.
We want to better understand the challenges organizations are facing, the resources they need to grow and sustain their impact, their experiences with philanthropy, and what they need from UBF as a future funding and capacity-building partner.
Your feedback will help shape UBF's 2027 grantmaking strategy and inform our year-end State of the Black Nonprofit Community Report.
Survey opens September 21, 2026.
Click here to take survey2026 Community Investment Awards
The United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland's 2026 Community Investment Awards recognize and invest in nonprofit organizations making meaningful contributions throughout Cuyahoga County.
UBF will recognize organizations across three categories, with two organizations selected in each category.
Category 01
Emerging Organization Award
For nonprofit organizations operating for 1–3 years that demonstrate early impact, organizational potential, and meaningful service to underserved communities.
Category 02
Community Impact Award
For established nonprofit organizations operating for at least 10 years that demonstrate sustained service, meaningful results, and significant community impact.
Category 03
Innovative Program Award
For nonprofit organizations operating for at least one year that are using a creative or innovative program or approach to address a community need.
Two Ways to Participate
Nominate an Organization
Know a nonprofit organization making a meaningful difference in our community?
Community members are invited to nominate organizations they believe deserve recognition through the 2026 Community Investment Awards.
After a nomination is received, UBF will contact the nominated organization and invite them to apply.
Important: A nomination is not an application. Nominated organizations must complete the official application by October 16, 2026, to be considered.
Apply for an Award
Eligible nonprofit organizations may apply directly for the Community Investment Award category that best reflects their organization or program.
Organizations do not need to be nominated before applying.
Organizations may submit only one application and may apply in only one award category.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for a 2026 Community Investment Award, organizations must:
- Be registered as a nonprofit corporation in the State of Ohio
- Maintain a bank account in the organization’s name
- Serve residents of Cuyahoga County
- Submit only one application
- Apply in only one award category
- Meet the operating-history requirement for the selected award category
IRS 501(c)(3) status is not required.
Applicants will be asked to upload proof of Ohio nonprofit registration and verification that a bank account exists in the organization's name.
UBF does not request banking or payment information as part of the application. Applicants should redact account numbers, routing numbers, balances, transactions, and other sensitive financial information before uploading bank verification.
How the Process Works
Choose the right award category.
Review the three award categories and select the one that best reflects your organization or program.
Complete the application.
Provide basic organizational information, eligibility verification, and brief information about your work and impact.
UBF reviews eligible applications.
Applications will move through UBF’s established Community Investment Awards review process.
Applicants are notified.
All applicants will be notified in December 2026 whether or not they have been selected to receive a Community Investment Award.
Important Dates
- September 28, 2026
- Nominations and applications open
- October 16, 2026
- Application deadline
- December 2026
- Applicants notified of final decisions
Grants FAQ
Do I have to be nominated before I can apply?
No. Eligible nonprofit organizations may apply directly.
If my organization is nominated, does that mean we have applied?
No. A nomination is not an application. Nominated organizations must complete the official application by October 16, 2026, to be considered.
Do we need IRS 501(c)(3) status to apply?
No. IRS 501(c)(3) status is not required. Organizations must be registered as nonprofit corporations in the State of Ohio and meet the other eligibility requirements.
Does our organization have to be located in Cuyahoga County?
The eligibility requirement is that the organization serves residents of Cuyahoga County.
Can we apply for more than one award category?
No. Each organization may submit only one application and apply in only one category.
When will applicants hear from UBF?
All applicants will be notified in December 2026 whether or not they have been selected.
What does UBF fund?
UBF supports eligible nonprofit organizations in Cuyahoga County serving Greater Cleveland in the areas of Human Needs, Education, Workforce Development, and approved Social Justice initiatives. Review the current grant announcement for cycle-specific priorities.
Does UBF fund events or sponsorships?
No. Unless a specific grant announcement states otherwise, UBF does not fund one-time events, sponsorships, or fundraising campaigns.
When can I apply?
Check the Application Status at the top of this page. The Salesforce portal is available only while a grant cycle is open.
Can I review the questions before applying?
Yes. Download the Sample Grant Application Questions PDF to prepare your responses before opening the portal.
Who should I contact with questions?
Email info@unitedblackfund.org for questions about eligibility or the application process.
More questions? Contact our team.
Ready to Participate?
Know an organization whose work deserves recognition?
Nominate an OrganizationOr, if your organization meets the eligibility requirements:
Apply for an AwardApplications close October 16, 2026.
Contact UBF Grants
Grants Inquiries
Questions about grants, eligibility, or the application process.
info@unitedblackfund.org