MARQUETTE — The United Way of Marquette County announced its new Safety Net mini-grants to assist nonprofit organizations with unexpected costs.

Local nonprofits will be eligible to receive these grants if they provide direct support services in the community by filling an emergent and unexpected need. This may include response to emergency events or natural disasters, but also includes unexpected opportunities to advance agency programming not previously in their budgets.

Organizations must have a federal tax-exempt status such as a 501(c)(3) public charity, public educational institution, government agency, or have a 501(c)(3) sponsor to act as their fiscal agent.

Agencies must be operating in Marquette County, impacting one of the following areas: children and youth achieving their potential through education and healthy family lives, helping families and individuals become financially stable and self-sufficient, improving the physical and mental wellness of people of all ages, or providing basic needs and safety net resources.

“We are excited to be able to offer this new funding opportunity as UWMC celebrates 80 years in Marquette County. We are constantly aiming to increase our impact in the community and provide additional resources to those in need. Branching out with a new funding option to provide additional, immediate support is a program we are happy to be able to launch this year,” said United Way officials.

Organizations do not need to be a partner agency affiliated with UWMC to be eligible for Safety Net funding. Safety Net mini-grants will not fund individuals, political causes, sponsorship, loans, capital projects or ongoing projects.

Applications are available at uwmqt.org/safety-net-funding/ and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Additional information regarding requirements and eligibility are available on the website.

Those interested in donating to the Safety Net Fund may do so by visiting uwmqt.org/donate and noting “Safety Net” in the message box, or by mailing a check to UWMC, P.O. Box 73, Marquette, MI 49855, with “Safety Net” on the memo line.