At United Way of Greater New Bedford, we believe lasting change happens when our community comes together to address the challenges facing our neighbors. Each year, our Community Impact Grants help make that change possible by investing in local nonprofit organizations working every day to strengthen our community.
This year, United Way of Greater New Bedford awarded more than $500,000 in Community Impact Grants to 25 nonprofit organizations serving Greater New Bedford.
These grants support programs addressing some of the most important needs in our community. Each falls into one of United Way's focus areas: Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Stability, and community Resiliency.
Community Impact Grants are designed to direct resources where they can make a meaningful difference. This year's grantees include organizations providing everything from free tax preparation and financial coaching to tutoring, early intervention, mental health services, recovery support, maternal health services, youth programming, and assistance for families experiencing housing and financial instability.
Together, these organizations are helping children succeed, supporting families, improving health and well-being, creating pathways to financial stability, and helping individuals overcome barriers and build stronger futures.
Among this year's 25 grantees are Boys & Girls Club of Greater New Bedford, Caritas Communities, Community Economic Development Council, Child & Family Services, Children's Advocacy Center of Bristol County, Coaching4Change, Coastline Elderly Services, Community Boating Center, Dennison Memorial Community Center, Greater New Bedford Community Health Center, Health Imperatives, Herren Project, Immigrants' Assistance Center, Meeting Street Massachusetts, Nativity Preparatory School, NorthStar Learning Centers, Our Sisters' School, PACE YouthBuild, School on Wheels of Massachusetts, South Coast LGBTQ Network, Southcoast Health, Steppingstone, Turning Point, Youth Opportunities Unlimited, and YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts.
Each grant represents an investment not only in a program, but in the people whose lives that program touches.
One of the most important parts of the Community Impact Grant process is that funding decisions are made with the community at the table.
United Way's grant proposals are reviewed by an all-volunteer Citizens Review Committee made up of community members who dedicate their time and expertise to evaluating applications. Committee members review and score proposals, interview new applicants, and make funding recommendations.
This volunteer-led process helps ensure that local perspectives and community needs are part of the conversation when United Way determines where grant funding can have the greatest impact.
The work happening through these nonprofit organizations reminds us that community impact takes many forms. It can be a child receiving the academic support they need, a parent accessing critical health services, a family finding a path toward financial stability, or an individual receiving the support they need to move forward in recovery.
When we invest in local organizations, we invest in our neighbors and in a stronger future for our entire community.
Together, we are putting local dollars to work and creating lasting impact across Greater New Bedford.
To learn ore about Community Impact Grants, visit: https://unitedwayofgnb.org/community-impact-grants