Do you have an idea to make your community or neighborhood a better place? United Way of Gre
ater New Bedford is now accepting applications for its Changemaker Grants, offering up to $2,500 to all-volunteer groups working to identify local issues and create community-led solutions.
For more than 30 years, United Way has invested in grassroots initiatives that empower residents to improve the places they live, work, and raise their families. Changemaker Grants support volunteer-led projects that address local challenges through collaboration, creativity, and action.
"Some of the best ideas come directly from community members who see a need and are passionate about making a difference," said Sarah Rose, Chief Impact Officer at United Way of Greater New Bedford. "Changemaker Grants provide the resources and support to help all-volunteer groups turn those ideas into meaningful, lasting change."
To be eligible, groups must be entirely volunteer-led and have an annual operating budget of less than $40,000. Proposed projects should be modest in scope, community-driven, and designed to create a lasting impact. Projects should align with United Way's focus areas - healthy community, youth opportunity, financial security, and community resiliency.
In addition to grant funding, Changemaker Grant recipients gain access to technical assistance, networking opportunities, educational workshops, and volunteer recruitment support through VolunteerSouthCoast.org, helping strengthen their projects beyond the initial award.
Interested applicants are encouraged to attend a virtual Changemaker Grant Information Session on Wednesday, July 29 at 5pm via Zoom. During the session, United Way staff will review eligibility requirements, walk through the application process, share tips for submitting a strong proposal, and answer questions.
Whether you're creating opportunities for youth, strengthening neighborhood connections, or tackling another local challenge, Changemaker Grants are designed to help community members transform ideas into action and create lasting change where it's needed most.