Over the next three years, United Way of Snohomish County will distribute up to $330,000 to organizations working to address intergenerational poverty. These grants will support capacity building for both small and large agencies. Potential applicants are invited to one of two Bidders’ Conferences on Wednesday, Sept. 18, and Friday, Sept. 20. Applications will be accepted online starting on Sept. 18. The deadline to apply is Friday, Oct. 4.

“We are thrilled to make these funds available to local agencies working to reduce poverty,” said Dr. Dennis G. Smith, president and CEO of United Way of Snohomish County. “This funding opportunity is different, and exciting, because instead of focusing on programs or direct services, we have the chance to strengthen the nonprofit infrastructure within our community.”

Capacity building includes professional development opportunities, such as conferences and training sessions, for executives, staff and key volunteers, as well as funding to strengthen financial controls, board development, staff licensures and credentialing, directors and officers insurance, data management software, hardware such as telephones and computers, infrastructure improvements and translation services.

In addition to funding, organizations will also receive technical support and participate in peer-to-peer mentoring.

Applications from smaller organizations — those with budgets less than $250,000 — will be considered separately from applications from larger organizations. All applicants will have to meet certain minimum eligibility requirements.

The Bidders’ Conferences will be held in the United Way of Snohomish County Board Room, in Suite 200 of 3120 McDougall Ave. in Everett. Space is limited. Please RSVP to Toni Esper by phone at 425-374-5523 or via email at toni.esper@uwsc.org.

Additional details regarding eligibility, the application process and the timeline are available online at www.uwsc.org/capacitybuilding.php.

Award announcements will be made in December.