United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes is investing more than $1 million in local nonprofits to help them build stronger, more sustainable operations and better serve their communities.
The new funding — $1,063,428 in total — will support 28 capacity-building projects across 26 organizations. It comes through United Way’s “Creating Synergy for a Stronger Future Grant,” which focuses on long-term infrastructure like technology, leadership, and strategic planning.
The need was overwhelming: United Way received 223 project proposals from 135 agencies, requesting nearly $9 million — more than nine times what was available.
“Every request represented a nonprofit working to strengthen its foundation so it can better serve those who depend on its programs,” said Robert De Leon, senior director of community impact. “While we’re proud to invest over $1 million, the demand shows us how much more support is needed.”
The grants will go toward projects such as systems upgrades, board development, mergers, and organizational growth initiatives. United Way says these investments will help nonprofits operate more efficiently and make a bigger impact across the six-county region: Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, and Wyoming.
Among the funded organizations are Foodlink, Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, Family Counseling of the Finger Lakes, and the Girl Scouts of Western New York.
“When we strengthen our nonprofit partners, we strengthen our entire community,” De Leon said.
The grant program is supported through United Way’s Community Impact Fund. For more information or to donate, visit: unitedwayrocflx.org/donate.
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