2027 Request For propsals: Investing in ALICE Households
Stronger families. A stronger cOMMUNITY
We’re seeking local solutions that remove barriers and help more families make measurable progress toward stability.
One-year grants of $25,000 to $200,000 for nonprofits serving ALICE households in Greenville County.
One thing shouldn't unravel everything.
Greenville County households earn too much for most help and too little to cover the basics.
Growth in these households since 2010, while poverty stayed largely unchanged
What a family of four needs for the basics here, more than double the poverty line.
Families rarely face one problem at a time. When a car breaks down, someone can lose a job. A missed shift means late rent. And finding help is its own burden, with services spread across many organizations. That’s why we’re changing how we invest: starting with ALICE households and the results that help them become more financially stable.
Learn more about ALICE Families
What knot can you untie?
Your idea could be the connection that keeps a family steady.
Who
501(c)(3)s and fiscally sponsored projects, schools, colleges and inclusive faith-based groups. Any age, at least $125,000 in revenue. You don’t need to be a current partner.
What
Solutions that remove or reduce barriers for ALICE households and help them become more stable, with results you can measure and track.
WHERE
Serving Greenville County residents.
WHEN
One-year grants announced in early January 2027.
HOW MUCH
$25,000 to $200,000, up to 20% of your total revenue. Grants add to your existing funding, not replace it.
results
Families earn more, find full-time work, stay stably housed, pay down debt, build savings and credit, get reliable transportation and rise above the ALICE Threshold. The full RFP lists example outcomes and services.
This RFP is informed by ALICE research from United For ALICE, which tracks working families who earn above the poverty line but below what it costs to live in Greenville County.
What strong proposals show
We want to invest in solutions that help ALICE households make measurable progress toward stability.
1
Barriers removed. How you remove or reduce specific barriers and/or increase stability.
2
Dollars to results. How the funding you request delivers positive outcomes for the number of households you serve.
3
Families tracked. How you will identify the ALICE households you serve and track their progress.
Families rarely face one problem at a time. When a car breaks down, someone can lose a job. A missed shift means late rent. And finding help is its own burden, with services spread across many organizations. That’s why we’re changing how we invest: starting with ALICE households and the results that help them become more financially stable.
Learn more about ALICE Families
Funded partners join the cohort
The power of coming together
A grant is the start. Every funded organization joins a cohort of partners working toward shared results for ALICE households.
Meet Monthly
Learn from other funded partners, compare what's working and build solutions none of us could build alone.
Serve ALICE households
Use United Way funds for ALICE households only, and confirm and record the ALICE status of every household you serve with them.
Share data
Share data with United Way on a regular, ongoing basis to track the households you serve and the results they achieve.
Adjust together
This is a year of learning. Tell us early if something changes, like staffing or program design, and we'll adjust together.
Full terms are included in the grant agreement each funded partner signs.
Key Dates
Oct 19
RFP released and Submittable opens
Oct 21 and 26
Info sessions
Nov 13
Proposals due by 11:59 PM
Nov to Dec
Review and follow-up conversations
January 2027
Awards announced
info sessions
Free and virtual. Can’t make it? Register and we’ll send the recording.
FAQ's
Who are the families this RFP serves?
We call them ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These households earn above the federal poverty line but not enough to cover the basic cost of living in Greenville County.
Item #2
Item #3
United Way of Greenville County awards multi-year grants to qualified community organizations to pursue the outcomes outlined in our How We Win strategy. United Way invests in organizations providing direct services or serving as intermediaries in the areas of education, housing, childcare, and transportation.
A grant cycle is not currently open. To be notified when United Way’s next grant cycle opens in 2026, please complete the form below.
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS?
Click here for our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) or complete the form below to connect with a member of our team:
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Greenville County Community Needs Assessment
- How to Start a Nonprofit
- Free Management Library
- The Water of Systems Change
- Connect with Greater Good Greenville
- Greenville Partnership for Philanthropy Funder Directory
- United Way Volunteer Opportunities
- Community Exchange Facebook Group
Share Your Solution
Proposals are due in Submittable by Friday, November 13.