United Way of Westchester and Putnam Community Impact Fund

The United Way of Westchester and Putnam administers the Community Impact Fund as part of its broader mission to mobilize resources and partnerships that advance education, financial stability, and health within local communities. The organization focuses specifically on supporting under-resourced populations, including ALICE households, defined as individuals and families who are employed but struggle to meet basic living expenses. This grant program reflects United Way’s commitment to strengthening community-based nonprofit organizations that directly address these needs within Westchester and Putnam Counties in New York. The purpose of the Community Impact Fund is to provide financial assistance to nonprofit organizations that serve under-resourced or ALICE populations. Funding is intended to support either programmatic activities or general operating expenses. Eligible programmatic efforts must fall within one or more of the core focus areas of education, financial stability, or health. Alternatively, organizations may request general operating support if their mission aligns with improving outcomes in these same areas for the target populations. This dual-use structure allows flexibility for nonprofits to address both direct service delivery and organizational sustainability. Grant awards range from 5000 to 10000 dollars. While the total program funding and number of awards are not specified, the funding range suggests support for small-scale initiatives or supplemental operational costs. The grant does not indicate any matching requirement, implying that awarded funds can be used without the need for cost-sharing. Allowable uses include program expenses such as service delivery costs or broader operational expenditures that sustain organizational capacity. The absence of restrictive spending rules indicates a relatively flexible funding approach, provided expenditures align with the stated mission areas. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations operating in Westchester or Putnam Counties that serve under-resourced or ALICE populations. Applicants must demonstrate nonprofit status, specifically through submission of a 501(c)(3) tax exemption certificate. Additional documentation requirements include a recent IRS Form 990 or audited financial statement, a board of directors roster, and organizational and program budgets where applicable. These requirements ensure that applicants have established governance structures and financial transparency. The application process requires submission of a completed application form along with all required attachments by the stated deadline. Applications may be submitted either online through the United Way website or via email to the designated contact. The application includes narrative questions covering organizational mission, program description, target populations, geographic service areas, and expected outcomes. Applicants must also specify the amount requested and provide a total budget for the proposed activity. The submission deadline for this funding cycle is May 22, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The timeline does not indicate recurring cycles or future rounds, nor does it specify award notification dates or performance periods. Applicants are expected to ensure all materials are complete and submitted by the deadline, as late or incomplete applications may not be considered. Contact information is provided for submission via email, offering an additional channel for applicant inquiries or submission support. Evaluation criteria are not explicitly detailed, but the application questions suggest that proposals will be assessed based on alignment with United Way’s focus areas, clarity of intended impact, service to eligible populations, and organizational capacity. Applicants are also expected to describe how they will acknowledge and promote United Way’s support within the community. The program emphasizes equity and non-discrimination, requiring applicants to certify compliance with policies that ensure inclusive service delivery and equal opportunity practices.

Ensure strong alignment with ALICE population needs and clearly demonstrate measurable community impact in education, financial stability, or health