What kinds of organizations does United Way of Greater New Bedford Inc. fund?
It funds local nonprofit and governmental organizations, along with all-volunteer community groups in some programs. The active portfolio includes operational support for existing programs, project support for new initiatives, and small grants for grassroots groups. Recent grants also show support for organizations working in children and youth, health, financial security, and basic needs.
Does it support emergency food and shelter work?
Yes. It administers the Emergency Food and Shelter Program locally for Bristol County, with one local board program for organizations serving Bristol County communities such as New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton, and Attleboro. The program focus includes emergency food, emergency shelter, hunger relief, and homelessness prevention.
What is the typical grant size?
Typical awards are concentrated between $15,000 and $25,000, with a median grant size of $20,000. The recent grants list includes many $25,000 awards, plus larger exceptions such as $50,000 and $40,000.
What are the main focus areas in its grantmaking?
Its stated focus areas include nutrition and food security, mental health, maternal and child health, substance misuse, early education and childcare, in-school and after-school learning, literacy development, financial education and coaching, public benefits access, homelessness prevention and affordable housing, family case management, parent education, and safe living environments.
Does it fund only New Bedford organizations?
No. While most grants go to recipients in Massachusetts and many are in New Bedford, the recent grants list also includes organizations in Fall River, Fairhaven, Wareham, Braintree, and Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Program geography also extends across Bristol County and the wider Greater New Bedford and SouthCoast areas.
