Impact Grants

The United Way of Greater Fall River’s Impact Grants are part of a competitive annual funding initiative designed to support smaller, innovative, or new programs that address specific gaps in services within the Greater Fall River region. This grant opportunity is rooted in the organization’s mission to foster a healthy community, expand youth opportunity, and promote financial security. Programs supported by Impact Grants are expected to align with the United Way Worldwide’s core focus areas and respond directly to community-identified needs. To ensure transparency and impact, the funding process is guided by a rigorous review structure and a clear rubric emphasizing alignment, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and equity. United Way of Greater Fall River (UWGFR) operates with the vision of creating a thriving, resilient community where every resident has access to opportunities for success. Through a combination of donor-directed resources and volunteer-driven review processes, the organization directs funding toward nonprofit health and human service agencies that demonstrate a capacity for community impact. Agencies seeking funding must demonstrate how their programs respond to unmet needs identified in regional Community Health Needs Assessments and how they align with UWGFR’s three major impact categories. Special emphasis is placed on programs serving marginalized populations and those that actively promote collaboration and reduce duplication of services. The Impact Grant application process opens on February 2, 2026 at 8:00 AM and closes on March 2, 2026 at 3:00 PM. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit agencies located within UWGFR’s defined service area, which includes Assonet, Fall River, Somerset, Swansea, and Westport in Massachusetts, as well as Tiverton and Little Compton in Rhode Island. Only one funding request is permitted per agency per cycle, and awards can be made up to $10,000. Food and Basic Needs providers are not eligible under this stream and are directed to apply under a separate program. All documents must be submitted in PDF format through the online application portal. Submissions are reviewed by a volunteer committee of cross-sector community members who assess applications based on a scoring rubric that evaluates program alignment with goals, demonstration of need, program design, collaboration, budget clarity, and commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA). Reviewers also consider whether proposals clearly identify target populations and show measurable, evidence-based goals. Programs that show deep local impact, strong data utilization, and organizational capacity to implement equitable solutions receive priority. Applicants are required to submit various documents including organizational charts, operating budgets, a fidelity/dishonesty insurance certificate, IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, board information, and recent financial documents. Programs must run within the fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30. Mid-year and year-end reporting is required, with an emphasis on evaluating effectiveness through both qualitative and quantitative impact stories. Programs are encouraged to plan for performance adjustments and to engage in data collection that supports equity-focused reporting. While the Impact Grant program is not rolling, it is a recurring opportunity offered on an annual cycle. Applicants are encouraged to review the complete Impact Grant Handbook, which outlines the grant criteria, scoring rubric, reporting requirements, and submission instructions. The handbook, along with the application questions and budget template, is available through the United Way of Greater Fall River’s website.

Strong alignment with one of the three UWGFR impact areas is essential; demonstrate unique community impact; provide data to support program need; ensure collaboration and capacity-building are included.