United Way of Greater New Bedford Awards Grants to Local Programs

United Way of Greater New Bedford recently awarded $420,000 to local programs and initiatives through its Community Impact Grants and the Community Building Mini-Grants.

A total of $390,000 in Community Impact Grants were awarded to 17 non-profit organizations throughout Greater New Bedford to support high-quality programs and services that align with United Way’s focus areas of health, education, financial stability, and basic needs. Funded programs focus on addressing issues such as maintaining or improving health and well-being, improving student outcomes, and engaging families in the education of their children, connecting individuals to opportunities that provided a pathway for economic mobility, and providing direct assistance to those in need of basic necessities.

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In addition to the organizations receiving Community Impact Grants, 17 all-volunteer groups received Community Building Mini-Grants, which for 20 years have been empowering community members to create the change they wish to see by applying for up to $2,500 to complete these projects. This year, $30,000 was awarded to groups that will complete projects addressing the needs of the homeless, encouraging healthy lifestyles with community gardens, providing accessibility for all, and promoting reading to young children.

All grant applications were reviewed and vetted by a Citizens Review Committee comprised of community volunteers. Michelle N. Hantman is the President and CEO of United Way of Greater New Bedford and commented on the grants.

“After what our community has gone through over the past year, we are proud to support so many organizations that are addressing the most pressing issues that came out of COVID and issues that continue to arise for vulnerable residents,” Hantman said. “By supporting these organizations, United Way is helping to build a stronger community for all residents of Greater New Bedford.”

United Way fights for the health, education, financial stability, and basic needs of every person in Greater New Bedford by mobilizing people, partnerships, and resources. Since 1953, United Way has served the City of New Bedford and the surrounding towns of Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, and Wareham.