Big Ideas. Bold Solutions. Funding for Change.
Grant Slam is a live fundraising and grant competition that highlights innovative nonprofit solutions supporting ALICE households in Douglas County. Local nonprofits will take the stage at this Shark Tank-style event to convince our judges and attendees to invest United Way grant dollars in their approaches. Grant Slam harnesses the innovative spirit of Lawrence and our surrounding communities to create, fund and expand solutions that align with United Way's impact areas and the Douglas County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).
Grant Slam brings together nonprofits, community leaders, businesses, donors, and residents to invest in solutions that strengthen our community. Grant Slam culminates October 21 at Maceli’s when four finalists will pitch their ideas to a panel of local judges and community supporters.
Why Grant Slam Matters
While many of us realize that 16% of our Douglas County neighbors actually live below the federal poverty line, another 20% live in the margin above the official line but still are just one emergency away from financial catastrophe. Known as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), these households face frequent challenges related to housing, childcare, transportation, food security, healthcare, and financial stability. Grant Slam seeks innovative solutions that help families move beyond crisis and build long-term stability.
5:30 PM Wednesday, October 21, 2026
1031 New Hampshire Street, Lawrence, KS
For Applicants
Think your Program Can Move the Needle?
Grant Slam is open to eligible nonprofit organizations serving Douglas County that are creating innovative solutions to help families build lasting stability.
How it Works
- Apply
- Become a Finalist
- Pitch Live
- Receive Funding
Finalists will:
- Present their work at a live community event
- Compete for a portion of $30,000 in grant funding
- Increase visibility for their organization
- Connect with community leaders and potential partners
- Showcase innovative solutions that address local challenges
- Advance strategies that improve outcomes for ALICE households
Questions? Please email Aquia Pusch or call at (785) 228-5122
Office Hours are available for questions and Grant Application assistance:
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, organizations must:
- Be a current 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
- Serve residents of Douglas County, Kansas
- Propose a project that benefits ALICE households (Kansas | UnitedForALICE)
- Demonstrate alignment with at least one Douglas County Community Health Improvement Plan priority area (LDCPH-CHIP_Plan-2025-11x85-v21)
- Be able to participate in the live Grant Slam event on October 21
Population of Focus
Applicants will also identify populations they primarily serve, which may include:
- BIPOC communities
- LGBTQIA+ populations
- Immigrant and migrant populations
- Gender-specific populations
- Other historically under-resourced groups
Questions? Please call or email Aquia Pusch at 785-228-5122 or apusch@uwkawvalley.org.
Why Apply?
Grant Slam invites eligible nonprofit organizations serving Douglas County to submit creative and innovative approaches to projects that help ALICE households and align with priorities identified in the Douglas County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).
Turn Your Ideas into Community Impact!
Grant Slam provides nonprofits with an opportunity to:
- Compete grant funding to launch, expand, or strengthen an upstream program.
- Showcase innovative programs and ideas before community leaders, donors, businesses, and supporters.
- Increase visibility throughout the community of your organization's impact and mission.
- Build partnerships that strengthen long-term impact and expand your reach.
- Advance solutions that improve the lives of ALICE households
Together, we can invest in bold ideas that create stronger families, greater financial stability, and a more resilient Douglas County.
Questions? Please call or email Aquia Pusch at 785-228-5122 or aqusch@uwkawvalley.org.
2026 Funding Awards
Grant Slam finalists will compete for grant funding designed to support creative approaches that address local challenges and improve outcomes for ALICE households.
🥇 First Place: $13,000
🥈 Second Place: $8,000
🥉 Third Place: $5,000
⭐ Fourth Finalist: $2,500
People's Choice Bonus: +$1,500 (stackable on tope of any placement)
Every finalist also receives:
- The opportunity to pitch live before community leaders, sponsors, and donors.
- Increased visibility for your organization and program.
- New connections with potential volunteers, partners, and supporters.
- A platform to showcase innovative solutions that create lasting change for ALICE households.
Bring your Vision to Center Stage
If your organization is developing creative solutions that help families build a stronger future, Grant Slam is your chance to showcase your work, inspire community investment, and compete for funding that can help transform great ideas into measurable results.
Important Dates
August 3rd – Applications open on Monday August 3
Tuesdays from August 4th through August 25, 1:00pm-2:00pm - Office Hours are available for questions and Grant Application assistance:
- August 4 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Zoom Link
- August 11 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Zoom Link
- August 18 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Zoom Link
- August 25 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Zoom Link
- August 27th 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Zoom Link
Thursdays from August 6th through August 27, 6:00pm-7:00pm - Office Hours are available for questions and Grant Application assistance:
- August 6 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Zoom Link
- August 13 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Zoom Link
- August 20 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Zoom Link
- August 27 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Zoom Link
August 28th at 5:00 pm – Applications Close
September 11th – UWKV will announce Grant Slam Finalists
October 21st – Grant Slam event 5:30pm-8;30pm at Maceli's
Complete your application now by clicking the button below.
Questions about the application process or your program's eligibility? Please contact Aquia Pusch at 785-228-5122 or email apusch@uwkawvalley.org.
Consider how your innovative project aligns with this exciting opportunity. We look forward to your submissions!
Become a Sponsor
When you sponsor Grant Slam, you're investing in more than an event—you're investing in innovative solutions that help families build lasting stability and move Douglas County closer to our BOLD Goal of reducing ALICE and poverty by 5% over the next five years.
Your sponsorship helps identify, elevate, and fund nonprofit programs that address the root causes of financial instability through creative, upstream solutions. Together, we're empowering organizations to think boldly, collaborate strategically, and create meaningful, measurable impact for our community.
As a Grant Slam sponsor, you'll receive valuable recognition before, during, and after the event while demonstrating your commitment to strengthening Douglas County. Most importantly, your investment helps turn bold ideas into real solutions for local families.
Join us in creating lasting change—because when innovative ideas have the resources to grow, our entire community benefits.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Jarrod Guth at (785) 228-5128 or email.
