LAFAYETTE – United Way of Acadiana (UWA) announces its 2021 PACT United (Plan of Action for Community Transformation) grant applications are now open. Organizations are encouraged to apply on their website before February 23 at midnight.

PACT United is a competitive, community-wide initiative focused on United Way of Acadiana’s three focus areas of education, earnings, and essentials. Last year, $440,000 was distributed among 28 community programs created and administered by regional nonprofits and educational institutions. Through the program UWA lifts up local area nonprofits by giving them additional resources for support, growth, and sustainability.

“The PACT United grant is an opportunity to invest in our community,” said Carlee Alm-LaBar, President/CEO United Way of Acadiana. “Through PACT United, we partner with agencies to implement programs that improve our community, which is critical in times like this. As we close out 2020, and enter 2021, it is going to be so important to work together to meet the needs in our community.”

Beginning in 2008, United Way of Acadiana’s PACT United model provides grants to organizations focused on helping more children graduate from high school, building financial stability in hard working families, and ensuring that neighbors meet their basic needs. United Way of Acadiana expects this year’s needs to be great in the wake of COVID-19 and encourages organizations who are stepping up during this time to apply.

To apply for a PACT United Grant or for more information on United Way of Acadiana’s work, visit unitedwayofacadiana.org.