Do you have an idea to make your community or neighborhood a better place? United Way of Greater New Bedford will be accepting applications for its Changemaker Grants, offering up to $2,500 to all volunteer groups in the region working to drive community-led change beginning January 5, 2026.
For 30 years, United Way has empowered residents to bring small-scale, high-impact projects to life—projects that build stronger, healthier communities. Changemaker Grants support initiatives that are engaging, solutions-focused, and rooted in community action.
To be eligible, groups must be completely volunteer-led and have an annual operating budget under $40,000. Proposed projects should be modest in scope but designed to create sustainable change. Successful projects typically align with United Way’s focus areas: Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency.
In addition to funding, Changemaker groups receive support through skill-building workshops, networking opportunities, and volunteer recruitment assistance via VolunteerSouthCoast.org.
United Way is hosting two virtual information sessions in July for groups to learn more. Sessions will take place via Zoom on Tuesday, January 6 at 5 pm and Thursday, January 15 at 5 pm. To register, visit unitedwayofgnb.org/changemaker-grants or call 508-994-9625.
Applications open Monday, January 5th and must be submitted by Friday, February 13th via United Way’s grant portal.