2022 National Night Out

United Way Funding Priorities

Please note that funding for NNO events is limited. Preference will be given to groups that make a clear attempt to address Unified Erie’s priority risk and protective factors, and/or host an event in collaboration with a community school (where applicable). National Night Out aligns with the prevention portion of the three-pronged Unified Erie Violence Reduction Initiative. 

National Night Out is a nationwide effort. United Way of Erie County focuses on funding events in high-need neighborhoods within Erie County. Those interested in learning more should contact their local township or municipality office to inquire about events scheduled for National Night Out that may not be funded by United Way of Erie County.

Planning Assistance

The Neighborhood Resource Organization is a service agency created to provide resources, support, and technical assistance to neighborhood groups throughout Erie County.  This organization is committed to the ongoing fight against Community Disorganization.  It does not have a yearly fee or membership. It is a service agency that offers regular trainings, assists with funding applications, notifies groups of funding opportunities, researches and communicates best practice information, educates on services available, connects groups with key community partners as well as each other, and serves as a fiscal agent for grant funds to individual neighborhood groups. These services are available to any neighborhood group that is organized or that wishes to organize and desires to utilize the services.  

For more information, please contact John Villa, the Neighborhood Resource Organization Outreach Coordinator (814.572.0755).  

Grant Requirements (mini-grant applications are closed) 

Additional requirements are as follows:  

• Neighborhood groups/partners working together to partner on a collaborative project or NNO event must submit one joint application. Please list each partner organization on the application, if requesting more than $500 for your project.  
• NNO events must benefit individuals and/or families with limited income.     
• Grant recipients must have 501c3 status or have a fiscal agent. 
• Grant recipients must agree to and sign United Way’s Community Support Mini-Grant Funding Agreement.  
• Events must address one or more of the risk factors identified by Erie’s Community Action Plan. 
• Show proof of commitment with a ½ match of the requested United Way of Erie County mini-grant amount. For example, an organization requesting $500.00 from United Way must show proof of a $250.00 match. Both monetary and in-kind donations qualify as matching funds.  Please note -- volunteer hours do not qualify. Copies of checks or signed letters of commitment must be submitted before grant funds are released. 
• Display United Way banners at the event. 
• Use United Way of Erie County symbols/logos/etc. on all your public relations materials such as flyers, directories, etc.  
• Conduct your event as described in your application. (United Way staff will conduct site visits.)  
• Submit receipts of purchases made using the grant monies to United Way.   
• Submit the Post-Project Report to United Way which will include a detailed reporting of activities as well as photos and social media posts tagging United Way of Erie County.  

Funding/Reporting Timeline:  

NNO Mini-Grant Applications Released – June 1, 2022 

NNO Mini-Grant Applications Due – June 21, 2022  

NNO Mini-Grant Awards Announced to Recipients – June 30, 2022 
 
Funds and Supplies Available for Pick-Up – July 6, 2022  

National Night Out – August 2, 2022 

Deadline for Post-Event/Project Report – August 31, 2022  
 
Receipts and Post-Event/Project Report Form are due by August 31. 

As we continue to navigate tough times as a community, we look forward to once again celebrating National Night Out safely. Thank you for everything you do for the community!  
 
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Damali Donovan, Community Impact Coordinator.