The application process for United Way of Snohomish County grants is open. Grants will be awarded for three years: July 2010-June 2013. All nonprofit agencies who wish to apply must submit their letter of intent online by Jan. 15.

Funding will be allocated to nonprofit programs in the priority areas defined by United Way’s Kids Matter, Families Matter and Community Matters vision councils. In 2009, United Way’s vision councils distributed $2.8 million in program grants to nonprofits serving Snohomish County. Applicants must be a 501(c)3 human-service agency that can provide an audit or financial statements for the past two years.

Additional information and application materials are available at www.uwsc.org. (See grants under projects and partners.)

Applicants are invited (but not required) to attend a bidder’s conference, which will be offered from 9-11 a.m. or 2-4 p.m. Jan. 5 in the United Way of Snohomish County board room, 3120 McDougall Ave, Everett. RSVP by calling Vicki Vasquez at (425) 374-5523.