LOI Applications are Now Open
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region (UWDOR) will be accepting Letter of Intent (LOI) for the Community Funding 2025-2026 beginning on November 18, 2024. UWDOR is requesting a brief description of your programs in advance of your official proposal submission. If your program has not been funded by UWDOR in the past 3 years, we are asking for a Letter of Intent for your program. Any Dutchess or Orange County 501(c)3 non-profit is eligible to submit a LOI. The LOI will be for programs that align with specific funding priorities in the areas of education, financial stability, health, and veteran needs. The LOI will be available on Monday, November 18, 2024, and will remain open until 5:00pm on Friday, December 13, 2024. Applicants will be notified in January 2025 whether a full application should be submitted. For further information, please email UWDOR at ci-inbox@uwdor.org.
Download notice of available funding.
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 2024 to June 2025. 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
In partnership with our community, United Way utilizes a cohesive strategy to address the needs of children, families, and individuals with limited income in Dutchess and Orange Counties. This RFP is designed to reduce hunger and increase access to healthy food. In some cases, we may support pilot initiatives that have the potential to be expanded upon with future funding. UWDOR is seeking to support partners who share the following commitments:
- A commitment to community-level outcomes focused on demographics and geographic locations with the greatest need;
- A commitment to cross-agency and cross-community collaboration in developing effective strategies; and
- A commitment to strategies that demonstrate success using evidence-based or evidence-informed models.
Education
In partnership with our community, United Way utilizes a cohesive strategy to address the needs of children, families, and individuals with limited income in Dutchess and Orange counties. This RFP is designed to establish a foundation for the educational success of local students and adults seeking workforce development opportunities and in some cases may involve innovative initiatives that have the potential to be expanded upon with future funding. UWDOR is seeking to support partners who share our commitment to the following:
- A commitment to community-level outcomes focused on demographics and geographic locations with the greatest need;
- A commitment to cross-agency and cross-community collaboration in developing effective strategies; and
- A commitment to strategies that demonstrate success using evidence-based or evidence-informed models.
Financial Stability
In partnership with our community, United Way utilizes a cohesive strategy to address the needs of children, families, and individuals with limited financial resources in Dutchess and Orange Counties. This RFP aims to establish a foundation for financial stability of our neighbors and may involve pilot initiatives that will be expanded with future funding. UWDOR is seeking to support partners who share our commitment to the following:
- A commitment to community-level outcomes focused on demographics and geographic locations with the greatest need;
- A commitment to cross-agency and cross-community collaboration in developing effective strategies; and
- A commitment to strategies that demonstrate success using evidence-based or evidence-informed models.
Veterans
In partnership with our community, United Way utilizes a cohesive strategy to address the needs of children, families, and individuals with limited income in Dutchess and Orange counties. This RFP aims to establish a foundation for veterans’ overall stability. UWDOR is seeking to support partners who share our commitment to the following:
- A commitment to community level outcomes focused on geographic and demographic locations with the greatest need as defined by data;
- A commitment to cross-agency and cross-community collaboration in developing effective, cohesive strategies; and
- A commitment to strategies that demonstrate long-term success using evidence-based or evidence-informed models.
To download your free Adobe Acrobat Reader, go to: https://get.adobe.com/reader/
Access the mandatory webinar, click here.
If you could not attend the January 18, 2024 Mandatory Funding Meeting, 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.
