United Way of Lancaster County has launched a new Community Investment Grant opportunity for nonprofits titled Level Up and Launch. This program seeks partners to scale existing excellence and launch innovative solutions, with $500,000 committed from United Way to the community.

The Level Up & Launch funding structure provides $200,000 in initial grant funding to selected applicants. Those applicants may then use those dollars to level up existing programs or launch new programs immediately.

Simultaneously, they can leverage those dollars for other grants or for fundraising that will be matched dollar for dollar up to their initial grant amount through Monday, Oct. 31, (a further $200,000 from United Way). There is also $100,000 set aside for backbone support at the grant committee's discretion. These dollars can help with capacity building for a total United Way commitment of $500,000.

Selected organizations will receive grants of $15,000 to $50,000 - totaling $200,000 - to be used for daily operations or initiatives dedicated to health, economic mobility, and education with priority toward innovation, scalability, and sustainable potential.

United Way is committed to providing $200,000 of original grants, plus up to $200,000 of match grants. There is also $100,000 allocated toward helping grantees access capacity building and equity trainings, backbone technology support and more. With up to $200,000 possible in fundraising matches from grantees, up to $700,000 will be available to impact the community.

To learn more, visit http://www.uwlanc.org/grant-opportunities or contact moses@uwlanc.org. Applications are open through Sunday, April 3, to any eligible 501(c)(3) organization providing services to Lancaster County community members.