United Way NELA to Open 2026 Partner Agency Program Investment Process
United Way of Northeast Louisiana is pleased to announce that the annual Partner Agency Program Investment Process will open on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. This process invites qualified 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for United Way support as we work together to improve lives throughout our 12-parish region.
At United Way of Northeast Louisiana, we envision a community where all individuals and families achieve their human potential through education, income stability, and healthy lives. Every agency program seeking investment must clearly address at least one of these aspirational areas and demonstrate meaningful, measurable outcomes.
United Way NELA’s volunteer-driven structure ensures transparency, accountability, and strong stewardship of donor dollars. Our Board of Directors and Community Allocations volunteers—representing a broad cross-section of the region—provide strategic oversight, review agency program outcomes, and ensure funds are invested responsibly and effectively.
“As community members invest in United Way, they place tremendous trust in our ability to evaluate programs that will make the greatest difference,” said Dr. Alberta Brown-Green, Board Chair of United Way of Northeast Louisiana. “Our volunteers bring deep care, lived experience, and thoughtful perspective to this process. Together, we are committed to supporting programs that lift families, strengthen neighborhoods, and advance the shared vision we all have for a thriving Northeast Louisiana.”
Last year, United Way NELA partnered with 39 agency programs across the region. These partnerships remain central to addressing challenges related to education, financial stability, and health. To view current partners, visit unitedwaynela.org/our-partners.
“As we welcome returning and prospective partners into the 2026 process, we are reminded of how essential these programs are to families and individuals in our region,” said Kim Lowery, President & CEO of United Way of Northeast Louisiana. “Our focus remains on supporting programs that deliver strong outcomes and reflect our community’s aspirations.”
Eligibility Requirements for 501(c)(3) Applicants
Organizations must:
- Align program services with at least one of United Way NELA’s three aspirational areas
- Serve residents in the Lincoln, Union, and Jackson Parishes market or the regional market (Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, and West Carroll Parishes)
Application Details
- Pre-application opens: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Begin the process by visiting the Our Partners page at unitedwaynela.org/our-partners - Pre-application closes: Friday, January 23, 2026
For questions, contact:
Stephanie Thompson, Community Impact Manager
318.998.9223 | sthompson@unitedwaynela.org
Volunteer Opportunity
Local volunteers determine how dollars raised by United Way NELA are invested each year. Recommendations are reviewed and approved through a collaborative, volunteer-led process. Interested in serving as a community volunteer? Visit unitedwaynela.org/civregistration for more information.
