Nearly 5 million families in the U.S. are eligible but have not received the Child Tax Credit — including more than 48,861 eligible families in Connecticut. The benefits of the expanded and advance Child Tax Credit (CTC) implemented through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 have been widely reported; yet millions of eligible low-income families have not yet received their credit.

We are thrilled to share the news that United Way of Western Connecticut is set to receive $1.2 million in Senate Directed funding through the passage of the Federal Omnibus Bill.

5-Day Equity Challenge Resources: Financial Stability

The resources shared during our 5-Day Equity Challenge were a powerful opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of how inequity and racism affect our lives and our community.

Seven local organizations focused on addressing food insecurity among older Danbury residents have been awarded mini grants to fuel their work. Recipients include members of the Danbury Food Collaborative, an initiative working toward improving food security for the Danbury community. On March 3rd, 2022 the following organizations were notified of their selection: 

Throughout Black History Month we shared weekly reading lists across our social media. These lists were compiled from recommendations submitted by our colleagues, highlighting their favorite books from Black authors. Here are our top picks throughout the month of February. 

United Way of Western Connecticut Launches Regional Grant Opportunity

Nonprofits serving Western Connecticut can seek funding related to education and financial stability beginning February 16

DANBURY, CT (February 15, 2022) — United Way of Western Connecticut (UWWC) is once again launching a regional grant opportunity for nonprofits beginning February 16, 2022.  

United Way of Western Connecticut is once again launching our regional grant opportunity for nonprofits. Beginning February 16, nonprofits serving Western Connecticut can seek funding related to education and financial stability.

UWWC will provide funding for nonprofits that operate programs in the following three areas: 

1) Early Childhood Education (serving children ages 0-5); 
2) After-school programming (serving children ages 5-18); and
3) Financial stability.

The Earned Income Tax Credit is a critical, and often underutilized, tax credit for low- to moderate-income households. Each year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recognizes Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day to help raise awareness for families and individuals to claim their Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). 

Many children succumb to a phenomenon called "Summer Slide." They lose ground in reading over the summer months when they are not in school. 

To combat Summer Slide, Stamford Cradle to Career has conducted the Stamford Summer Literacy Initiative for the past two summers. 

The program is two-pronged: