GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
United Way of Central New York invests in programs that help more people in our community thrive—especially those facing the greatest barriers. Through our Community Program Fund Grants, we ensure locally raised dollars support programs aligned with our Impact Agenda and demonstrate measurable results.
COMMUNITY PROGRAM FUND GRANTS (2026-2027) NOW OPEN
These two-year grants support community programs and initiatives that:
• Align with one of United Way’s four Impact Areas: Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resilency
• Deliver services with clear outcomes and measures of success, consistent with our Results Framework
• Provide essential services not predominantly covered by other public or private sources
Award Range: $15,000–$100,000 annually. Smaller programs should apply at the lower end; larger, multi-outcome programs may qualify for higher awards. Most awards are expected to fall within this range.
Impact Agenda_Executive Summary_2026-2027
Results Framework_2026-2027
MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY
Applications not meeting these criteria will not be considered.
Applicants must:
• Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or have a qualified fiscal sponsor
• Have operated for at least two years
• Deliver services in Onondaga County
• Have an annual operating budget of at least $100,000 and a record of effective service delivery
• Employ at least one full-time staff member (1.0 FTE or greater)
• Align with at least one Impact Area and Path
• Address immediate/basic needs or systemic barriers, such as housing, food, transportation, financial stability, health, or youth opportunity
• Commit to tracking and reporting metrics (# served, % better off) — guidance and training will be provided
• Provide required financial documentation (IRS Form 990 and most recent financial statements)
TIMELINE
Week of August 25, 2025 – RFP released
Week of September 8, 2025 – Virtual Technical Assistance sessions (attendance optional)
Friday, September 26, 2025 – Proposals due (11:59 PM)
September 22 – October 31, 2025 – Application review and decisions
November 2025 – Award notifications sent
December 2025 – Award packets distributed; contracts due mid-December
January 2026 – First grant payment disbursed; reporting period begins
HOW TO APPLY
- Review United Way’s Results Framework_2026-2027 to understand the focus areas, paths, and required outcome measures.
- Complete the Eligibility Screen form (a short check to confirm eligibility before accessing the full application).
- Eligible organizations will be invited to submit a full application within two business days of submitting the Eligibility Screen.
Applications are due by 11:59 PM, Friday, September 26, 2025.
Multiple Programs: If applying for more than one program, you must list each separately on the Eligibility Screen. If approved, you will then complete a full application for each. Each program will be reviewed independently.
FUNDING OVERVIEW
Grant Term: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027
Commitment: Multi-year funding opportunity. Applicants submit one application for the full two-year cycle.
Annual Awards: Determined each year and dependent on United Way’s annual fundraising campaign results.
Renewal: Programs funded in Year 1 will be considered for continued funding in Year 2, provided compliance with reporting, monitoring, and grant requirements.
APPLICATION SUPPORT
View Frequently Asked Questions 2026–2027 CPF FAQ 8.28.25v2 (updated 8.28.25)
Register to attend a Virtual Technical Assistance Session (optional):
Wed 9/10/25 – 12:00pm
Wed 9/10/25 – 3:00pm
Fri 9/12/25 – 9:30am
Mon 9/15/25 – 12:00pm
Contact us Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm at 315-428-3744 or rfp@unitedway-cny.org
QUICK LINKS
Impact Agenda_Executive Summary_2026-2027
Results Framework_2026-2027
2026–2027 Community Program Fund Eligibility Screen
