Empowering Communities: Impact Philanthropy Grant Process Now Open & ALICE Fund LOI Available!

We are excited to share two critical opportunities for nonprofit partners to access funding and provide direct support to our communities: Impact Philanthropy Grant Opportunities and ALICE Fund Referral Partners.

2025-2026 Impact Philanthropy Grant Opportunities

United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut (UWCWC) will begin accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Impact Philanthropy Grant Program on March 17, with a total of $332,000 in competitive grant funding available to support nonprofit organizations that address critical community needs and drive systemic change. 

This funding complements an additional $350,000 in community investments UWCWC is making to strengthen local nonprofits and expand their impact. Additionally, $150,000 in direct cash assistance will be available to ALICE individuals through nonprofit partners serving as referral agencies, ensuring households in need receive immediate financial support.

Together, these investments reinforce UWCWC’s commitment to improving health, education, and financial stability across our region, empowering both organizations and individuals to build a more resilient and equitable community.

We have two distinct funding opportunities this year: 

  • Basic Needs Grant ($232,000 available) – Supporting organizations that provide essential services to households at or below the ALICE Threshold, including food, housing, utilities, child care, and health care.

  • Community Catalyst Grant ($100,000 available) – A new grant program that provides unrestricted funding to grassroots organizations and those working in civic engagement and community-building to support ALICE households. 

KEY DATES

  • Notice of Funding Availability Released: March 10, 2025
  • Applications Open: March 17, 2025 
  • Applications Due: April 22, 2025, by 11:59 PM 
  • Information Sessions (highly recommended): 
  • Decisions Announced: End of June 2025 

ELIGIBILITY

Organizations must: 

  • Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or have a Fiscal Sponsor 

  • Serve households at or below the ALICE Threshold 

  • Operate within UWCWC’s 27-town service area (excluding Greenwich and Shelton) 

  • Meet program-specific criteria for either Basic Needs or Community Catalyst funding 

HOW TO APPLY

  • Step 1: Review the full NOFA and grant guidelines. 
  • Step 2: Attend an information session to learn more about the application process. 
  • Step 3: Register/Login to e-CImpact and submit your application by April 22, 2025. 

 View Full NOFA  

 

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, utilities, child care, food, transportation, and health care needs. 
  • Referral partners identify and refer eligible individuals to the ALICE Fund. 

WHY PARTNER WITH US 

By joining as a referral partner, your organization will gain access to emergency financial assistance funds for your clients and play a key role in strengthening community stability. 

KEY DATES

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

Be part of this vital initiative. Submit Your LOI Now |  ALICE Fund Word Doc LOI. To access the ALICE Fund Partner and Referral Guide, click HERE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Questions? Contact us at communityimpact@unitedwaycwc.org.