Apply for Grant Funding
We hope that you consider applying for a grant from our community fund.
Formal grant applications open on February 2025. If interested, you can view previous examples of our blank application, program budget, output and outcomes tool and our contract.
For assistance with the e-granting portal, view our technical guidance here.
Funding Opportunities for
Available Funding:
Through this RFP process, UWDOR seeks partnerships with nonprofit organizations during the time period of July 2025 to June 2026. Our intention is to invest sufficient funding to achieve significant results. United Way’s Community Fund is divided into two funding categories:
- For previously funded programs, please indicate the amount you are requesting (maximum request of $30,000).
- For programs not previously funded, United Way has allotted funding in increments up to $10,000 for these requests. Please indicate your request here (maximum of $10,000). If United Way selects your program for funding you may be eligible for additional funding next year. This is contingent that your organization remaining in good standing with regard to all United Way contract requirements. Future additional funding is not a guarantee.
Health Strategy
Request for Proposal
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region (UWDOR) issues this Request for Proposal (RFP) as a part of our commitment to improve the health of our neighbors affected by poverty and limited resources. UWDOR’s commitment to health investment targets strategies that aim to increase food security and access to healthy foods.
The goals outlined in this RFP constitute a multi-faceted plan developed in partnership with community leaders representing government, businesses, nonprofits, educators, students, parents and the larger community. Through this RFP process, UWDOR seeks partnerships with nonprofit organizations during the time period of July 2025 to June 2026. United Way’s Community Fund is divided into two funding categories:
- For previously funded programs, please indicate the amount you are requesting (maximum request of $20,000, with awards typically about $10,000).
- For programs not previously funded, you may apply for up to $10,000. If your program is selected for funding, you may be eligible for additional future funding. This is contingent on your organization remaining in good standing with respect to all United Way contract requirements. Future additional funding is not guaranteed.
Education Strategy
Request for Proposal
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region (UWDOR) issues this Request for Proposal (RFP) as a part of our commitment to improving the education of our neighbors facing poverty and limited resources. UWDOR targets our education investment through strategies that aim to improve the academic achievement of our community’s youth and support workforce development opportunities for adults. Our goal is to maximize educational outcomes for children and adults living in Dutchess and Orange counties so they can forge a path toward lifelong learning and success.
The goals outlined in this RFP constitute a multi-faceted plan developed in partnership with community leaders representing government, businesses, non-profits, educators, students, parents and the larger community. Through this RFP process, UWDOR seeks partnerships with nonprofit organizations during the period of July 2025 to June 2026. Our intent is to invest sufficient funding to achieve significant results. United Way’s Community Fund is divided into two funding categories:
- For previously funded programs, please indicate the amount you are requesting (maximum request of $20,000, with awards typically about $10,000).
- For programs not previously funded, you may apply for up to $10,000. If your program is selected for funding, you may be eligible for additional future funding. This is contingent on your organization remaining in good standing with respect to all United Way contract requirements. Future additional funding is not guaranteed.
Financial Stability Strategy
Request for Proposal
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region (UWDOR) issues this Request for Proposal (RFP) as a part of our commitment to achieve the goal of improving the condition of our neighbors affected by poverty and limited resources. UWDOR’s commitment to financial stability targets strategies that aim to support the financial stability of our most vulnerable neighbors.
The goals outlined in this RFP constitute a multi-faceted plan developed in partnership with community leaders representing government, businesses, non-profits, educators, students, parents and the larger community. Through this RFP process, UWDOR seeks partnerships with nonprofit organizations during the time period of July 2025 to June 2026. Our intent is to invest sufficient funding to achieve significant results. United Way’s Community Fund is divided into two funding categories:
-
For previously funded programs, please indicate the amount you are requesting (maximum request of $20,000, with awards typically about $10,000).
-
For programs not previously funded, you may apply for up to $10,000. If your program is selected for funding, you may be eligible for additional future funding. This is contingent on your organization remaining in good standing with regard to all United Way contract requirements. Future additional funding is not guaranteed.
Veterans Services
Request for Proposal
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region (UWDOR) issues this Request for Proposal (RFP) as a part of our commitment to achieve the goal of improving the condition of our neighbors affected by poverty and limited resources. This is in partnership with the MISSION UNITED™ platform. UWDOR targets strategies that support the financial stability of our veterans and their families. We aim to improve outcomes for our veterans living in Dutchess and Orange counties by assisting them and their families along their path to financial stability.
The goals outlined in this RFP constitute a multi-faceted plan developed in partnership with community leaders representing government, businesses, nonprofits, educators, students, parents, and the larger community. Through this RFP process, UWDOR seeks partnerships with nonprofit organizations during the time period of July 2025 to June 2026. Our intent is to invest sufficient funding to achieve significant results.
- For all veterans programs, United Way has allotted funding in increments up to $10,000 for these requests. Please indicate your request here (maximum of $10,000). If United Way selects your program, you may be eligible for additional funding next year. This is contingent on your organization remaining in good standing with respect to all United Way contract requirements. There is no guarantee of future additional funding.
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Access our latest Nonprofit Development webinar, click here.
If you could not attend the January 23rd Funding Meeting and are applying for the first time, please view this video recording here. Then complete this form to certify you viewed it.
Questions?
Given the number of anticipated applicants, United Way requests that all further questions be submitted in writing to ci-inbox@uwdor.org. United Way cannot provide guidance on the content of an application.
Resources
UWDOR believes that the most efficient and effective way to address the challenges in our community is to partner with organizations that implement programs proven effective over time. To further assist you, United Way partners with the Dyson Foundation and the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley to publish Mid-Hudson Valley Community Profiles, which provides data about the issues that face our region.
RFP Resources:
Writing a grant can be a daunting experience. Fortunately, we have some resources to help you complete the Request for Proposal process.
Proven Models
Stanford Social Innovation Review - Creating High-Impact Nonprofits
An article published by the Stanford Social Innovation Review, this study of 12 high-impact nonprofits illustrates various methods of establishing volunteerism and expanding the awareness and impact of organizations.
Four Lenses Strategic Framework - Enhancing Models
The Four Lenses Strategic Framework delves into methods that establish or enhance existing social enterprise operational models. It examines a variety of models, such as fundamental models, combining models and enhancing models, that pertain to nonprofits.
Proven Models, the premier knowledgebase of actionable management models, features a plethora of models that align with not only the vision and mission of an organization but also with an organization’s program’s needs. Various models are available via the search function or by exploring the topics listed. Various topics include organization design and development, program and project management, strategic management, innovation and risk, leadership and management and more.
SAMSHA National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s NREPP features scientifically established behavioral health interventions. This section contains:
· NREPP’s Learning Center, which provides resources relating to evidence-based programs and practices
· A database of interventions reviewed by the NREPP
· The NREPP submission and review process
Stanford Social Innovation Review - Ten Nonprofit Funding Models
Brought to you by the Stanford Social Innovation Review, this article explores ten proven nonprofit funding models that will help shape an effective funding strategy. Example models include “Heartfelt Connector,” “Beneficiary Builder,” and “Member Motivator.”
Statistics
County Health Rankings offers a variety of statistics on the health demographics of every county in New York State. Not only can you select a county and review the county's demographics, but you can also compare health statistics between selected counties. County demographic categories include: Length of Life, Quality of Life, Health Behaviors, Clinical Care, Social & Economic Factors and Physical Environment.
Mid-Hudson Valley Community Profiles
Mid-Hudson Valley Community Profiles features portraits and data on Dutchess, Orange and Ulster Counties as well as the Mid-Hudson Valley Region. These profiles highlight statistics revolving around the well-being of the region’s and counties’ children, the state of the economy, poverty, and healthcare access. Topics include: Children and Youth, Community Engagement, Demographics, Economy, Education, Financial Stability, Health, Housing, and Public Safety.
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans offers vital statistics on the homeless veteran population. Furthermore, media sources, including publications, as well as policy and legislation sources are available. Additionally, the site contains information on grants, in-kind sources and helpful tips on beginning a veterans program.
The National Center for Education Statistics
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is the primary source for education-based statistics regarding K-12 students. You'll find immense amounts of data, facts and tools to help you during the application process.
The United States Census Bureau offers a wealth of statistical data on the following topics: Population, Economy, Emergency Preparedness, Housing, Employment, Income & Poverty, Business, Families & Living Arrangements, International Trade, Education, Health and Public Sector.
General Grantwriting Tips
The Balance provides valuable and though articles, lists and tips relating to grant writing. You'll find helpful articles ranging from writing effective grant proposal cover letters to tips on developing a grant proposal writing process.
Nonprofit Hub has a grant writing section filled with a potpourri of tips. You'll find useful articles like "Grant Writing Best Practices: 5 Tips from 5 Experts" and "The Anatomy of a Great Grant Application." For further information, you can attend the online Nonprofit Hub University and participate in the available webinars.
The Foundation Center is an innovative nonprofit that gathers and analyzes data before sharing it with interested individuals worldwide. The Foundation Center offers a variety of philanthropy and grant writing tools online, including: Foundation Center Training, GrantSpace and GrantCraft. Furthermore, you can participate in live webinar training, webinar recordings, and eLearning courses.
