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 biannual Changemaker Grants, offering up to $2,500 to all-volunteer groups in the region working to drive community-led change beginning July 14th.
For 30 years, United Way has empowered local 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.
“Changemaker Grants give residents the opportunity to turn their ideas into real, tangible change,” said Sarah Rose, Chief Impact Officer at United Way of Greater New Bedford. “We’ve seen projects that start small but leave a lasting mark on our community.”
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: family resilience, health access, economic mobility, or educational opportunity.
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, July 15 at 5 pm and Monday, July 21 at 5 pm. To register, visit unitedwayofgnb.org/changemaker-grants or call 508-994-9625.
Applications open Monday, July 14 and must be submitted by Sunday, August 11 via United Way’s grant portal.
United Way of Greater New Bedford has been a cornerstone of the community since 1953, advancing a healthy community, youth opportunity, financial security, and community resiliency. Through key initiatives like the Family Resource & Development Center, Hunger Commission, and New Bedford Community Connections Coalition, United Way provides vital support to help residents thrive. In addition to its direct services, United Way funds local organizations tackling these critical issues and connects them with volunteers through Volunteer SouthCoast.