(WNY News Now) – United Way of Chautauqua County has launched a new Request For Proposal (RFP) that promises to revolutionize how community-based programs are funded, targeting key areas of need in the region.
The United Ways of Chautauqua County (UWCC) have released a new Request For Proposal (RFP) which includes a new funding framework designed to address critical community needs and achieve measurable, lasting impact.
More than just a call for applications, the RFP and the new funding framework represent United Way’s commitment to collaboration, equity and meaningful change.
Agencies seeking funding must align their programs with one or more of the following four strategic impact areas: Youth Opportunity, Health Equity, Community Resiliency or Self-Sufficiency.
Approximately $1,150,000 will be allocated in each year of the two-year funding cycle. Allocations grants range from $7,500 to $155,000. United Way funds programs not agencies. It does not fund capital or building projects. Donations collected during United Way’s current fundraising campaign will become the grants allocated to agencies during the July 2025 through June 2027 funding cycle.
Agencies seeking funding from United Way can submit applications through January 31, 2025, by using the Chautauqua Grants website www.ChautauquaGrants.org.
County nonprofits are encouraged to visit www.uwayscc.org to download the new RFP, which is a comprehensive explanation of all steps involved in successfully applying and being considered for funding. In order to assist nonprofits in navigating the document, United Way will host two information sessions for agencies interested in applying for funding:
- Dunkirk: Thursday, Dec. 12, 9am-11am at the SUNY Fredonia CIED Tech Incubator located at 214 Central Avenue
- Lakewood: Wednesday, Dec. 18, 9am-11am at the Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union’s new Training Center located at 110 Mall Blvd.
During these sessions, United Way will provide an overview of the document, the application process, and answer questions. Zoom links for each of the sessions can be found online at www.uwayscc.org. Following the sessions, recordings of the meetings will also be posted online at United Way’s website.
“We have put in thoughtful effort to ensure that our RFP is straightforward, user-friendly, and accessible for funding applications,” said Eric Rinaldo, UWCC Community Impact Manager. “This RFP is a true application guide, and it not only outlines eligibility and application details, but it provides rationale for the new funding framework and provides extensive details about the process and timeline.”
The changes to United Way’s funding process are due in part to its recent merger but also are a result of an equity audit conducted last year. In addition to recommendations made by the consultant, changes were made to the RFP process based on feedback from United Way’s community partners as well as from feedback given during site visits to nonprofits in Spring 2024.
Allocations is the name of the process by which United Way identifies which agencies will receive funding for programs. It is an evidence-based decision-making process which relies on volunteers from the community to evaluate applications, conduct site visits and make funding recommendations.
Earlier this year, the United Ways of Chautauqua County identified four strategic impact areas that would focus its county-wide community impact strategy: Youth Opportunity, Health Equity, Community Resilience, and Self-Sufficiency.
These four impact areas take into consideration the unique qualities of the region and reflect the currently identified needs, service gaps, and barriers that exist within our community.
“Each impact area has its distinct contributions to our mission of improving the lives of every person and family in our community,” said UWCC Executive Director Amy Rohler. “Additionally, all of the impact areas collectively work together to create lasting and sustainable resiliency, resulting in a community that thrives.”
The funding framework in the RFP lays out United Way’s roadmap to success. In each of the four strategic impact areas, United Way has identified the specific outcomes trying to be achieved, along with the indicators that will measure progress. In order for agencies to have their programs be considered for funding, the programs that must fit within the framework.
For questions about the process, including questions about using Chautauqua Grants, contact Eric Rinaldo, UWCC Community Impact Manager, by emailing erinaldo@uwayscc.org or by calling the Jamestown office at 716-483-1561.
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