FARMINGTON — The United Way of the Tri-Valley Area is accepting applications for Venture Grants of up to $10,000 for nonprofit organizations, coalitions or individuals with proposals for programs.

Grants will range from a minimum of $500 up to $10,000.

Venture Grant applications are due by Oct. 28 and proposals must align with the mission and values of the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area.

The grants are designed to provide additional resources to support projects that are new, innovative, collaborative and sustainable, and will fulfill the needs and improve the lives of people living in Franklin County, Starks, Livermore and Livermore Falls.

The criteria/guidelines are:

• Grants may not be used to support unrelated operating expenses, costs for capital projects such as space renovations or basic infrastructure.

• Applications should be clear and concise; the narratives should succinctly answer the question(s) asked in each section of the online application available at uwtva.org.

• Funds must be used as detailed in the approved proposal. Requests for changes must be submitted in writing to the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area.

• All funds must be spent within one year of the award. Any unspent funds shall be returned to UWTVA.

• An interim report with projected outcomes must be submitted six months after receipt of grant. A final report must be submitted within 30 days of the project completion.

• Copies of pictures, flyers, letters or other materials are encouraged. UWTVA support must be acknowledged in any communication/publicity/publications related to the funded project.

The mission of United Way of the Tri-Valley Area is to unite people and resources to improve lives and build a strong and healthy community.