United Way of Northern New York (UWNNY) brings people, organizations, and resources together to address the region’s most pressing challenges. Through the Community Impact Fund, UWNNY partners with community-based human service organizations to invest in collaborative, outcome-driven programs that improve lives across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties.
Programs must align with one or more of our three priority areas:
Social Determinants of Health (e.g., access to nutrition, housing, transportation, literacy, and healthcare)
Child / Youth Success (e.g., academic support, mentoring, youth development)
Economic Stability (e.g., job skills training, financial literacy, employment support)
We are seeking proposals from community-based human service organizations that are collaborative, outcome-driven, and committed to improving quality of life across the North Country.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations providing human service programming that:
- Serve residents of Jefferson, Lewis, and/or St. Lawrence Counties
- Have been in operation for at least three years
- Are governed by a board of directors
- Employ at least one paid staff member (minimum 1.0 FTE)
- Maintain a meaningful local presence within the UWNNY service area, including at least one paid staff member and one governing board member who reside in Jefferson, Lewis, or St. Lawrence Counties.
Please note: Applications that do not meet the eligibility requirements will not advance to Community Review.
Funding Information
- Approximately $225,000 in Community Impact funding is expected to be available, contingent upon the success of the 2026–2027 United Way campaign.
- Maximum request: $25,000
- Average grant award: Approximately $11,000
- Grant period: January 1–December 31, 2027
United Way funding may not be used for:
- Capital projects
- Lobbying
- Event sponsorship
- Proselytizing
- Programs that exclude individuals based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, or disability.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the UWNNY Community Impact Grant Portal.
Before beginning an application, we strongly encourage applicants to review the resources below to confirm eligibility, understand the review process, and prepare responses in advance.
- Grant portal opens: July 20, 2026
- Application deadline: September 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
- Late or incomplete applications cannot be accepted.
Click here to review the Request for Proposals.
🔗 Access the grant portal here:
https://unitedwaynnycommunityreview.communityforce.com/Login.aspx
Important Documents for Applicants
Before beginning your application, we encourage you to review the following resources:
Request for Proposals (RFP)
Learn about eligibility requirements, funding priorities, partnership expectations, and the grant review process.
Application Guide
Review every application question in advance so you can prepare responses and gather required documentation before signing into the online grant portal.
Community Impact Grant Evaluation Tool
See exactly how volunteer Community Review Panel members evaluate grant proposals. Understanding the scoring criteria can help you prepare a stronger application.
Year-End Report Template
Successful applicants will be required to submit a year-end report at the conclusion of the grant period. Reviewing the report in advance provides a clear understanding of the outcomes and information grantees will be expected to document.
