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United Way targets critical service gaps with $1.7M community grant initiative
United Way targets critical service gaps with $1.7M community grant initiative
Listen to this articleUnited Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes has awarded more than $1.7 million to 17 nonprofit health and human services organizations through a new grant initiative aimed at helping agencies navigate mounting financial pressures caused by public funding cuts and policy changes.
The Community Responsiveness Fund, launched in March, was created to provide rapid, one-time financial support to nonprofits facing increased demand for services while managing additional administrative burdens tied to shifts in government funding and regulations.
The investment comes as many nonprofit organizations across the six-county region grapple with rising community needs and heightened operational challenges.
“Nonprofits across our six-county region are facing unprecedented pressure,” said Robert De Leon, vice president of impact at United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes. “We are proud to have awarded more than $1.7 million to 17 nonprofit agencies to help them maintain, adapt, and continue delivering critical services to our community.”
The strong demand for assistance underscored the strain facing the sector. United Way received 71 applications requesting a combined $8.6 million in funding, which is nearly five times the amount available through the program.
Applications were evaluated by a review committee using a scoring framework that considered demonstrated need, organizational impact, ability to reach vulnerable populations and plans for deploying the funds effectively.
Grant awards ranged from $50,000 to $200,000 and will support a broad range of services, including food access programs, legal assistance, health services, supports for youth and unhoused youth, and other basic-needs initiatives.
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