The ALICE Fund

Become a Referral Partner for the ALICE Fund. Help connect families to essential financial assistance!

 

The ALICE Fund provides rapid response financial assistance to low- and moderate-income households facing unexpected financial hardships. We are inviting local organizations to become referral partners to help ensure this support reaches those in need. Review the full ALICE Fund Partner Information and Referral Guide here. 

HOW IT WORKS

  • Eligible households can receive up to $600 per calendar year for emergency expenses. 
  • Funding supports:
    • Housing & Shelter (security deposits, emergency repairs)
    • Utilities & Technology (heat, water, phone bills)
    • Child Care & Education (school expenses, child care)
    • Food (emergency grocery costs)
    • Transportation (car repairs, bus passes)
    • Health Care (co-pays, prescriptions)
  • Referral partners identify and refer eligible individuals to the ALICE Fund. 

To qualify for ALICE Fund assistance, applicants must: 

  • Live within our service region 

  • Have an immediate financial need in an eligible category 

If you or someone you know is in need, there are two ways to access ALICE Fund support: 

  1. Through a Referral Partner – We work with nonprofit organizations that can assess eligibility and submit referrals. Referral partners will be announced on May 1. 

  1. Directly Through United Way – Individuals can apply directly by contacting United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut at archeline.youte@unitedwaycwc.org. 

Funding will be available starting May 1, 2025. If you have an urgent need before then, please reach out to Archeline Youte at archeline.youte@unitedwaycwc.org to discuss available resources. 

  • Funds are distributed via Usio Cards, a digital Mastercard that can be used for approved expenses. 

  • Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once regional funds are depleted, new requests will not be accepted. 

  • Applicants must provide documentation of their need. United Way or referral partners will work with households to ensure eligibility. 

For more information, please contact archeline.youte@unitedwaycwc.org 

Referral Partners Coming Soon!

HOW TO BECOME A REFERRAL PARTNER

  1. Review the full ALICE Fund Partner Information and Referral Guide here.
  2. Attend a Mandatory Information Session – All partners must attend one session: March 12 at 11 AM: Register Here | March 20 at 9 AM: Register Here |  March 25 at 2 PM: Register Here
  3. Submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) by March 28, 2025 – Complete the LOI through our grants management portal, e-cimpact, or email communityimpact@unitedwaycwc.org. Instructions for e-cimpact are available here.
  4. Sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by April 22, 2025 – Once selected, partners must sign an agreement outlining roles and responsibilities.
  5. Attend a Referral Partner Training – Training sessions will be held on April 25 and April 28, 2025 to ensure partners understand the referral process.
  6. Start Referring Households – The ALICE Fund launches on May 1, 2025. Your organization will be able to refer eligible households in need of immediate financial assistance.

KEY DATES

  • March 12, 20, or 25: Required information sessions (you only need to attend one)
  • March 28, 2025: Letter of Interest (LOI) due 
  • April 22, 2025: Signed MOU due 
  • May 1, 2025: Program launch 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information, contact us at communityimpact@unitedwaycwc.org.