United Way Niagara

In partnership with The Branscombe Family Foundation, United Way Niagara is pleased to offer non-profit and charitable organizations access to Special Projects/Emergency funding to address community issues across Niagara.

The goal of the Special Projects/Emergency Fund is to provide funding for innovative projects on a short-term basis, to assist in emergency situations, support organizational capacity and/or for projects addressing emerging community needs. This funding is separate from United Way’s annual grants program.

The fund focuses on projects that directly impact vulnerable populations and improve equitable access to supports that improve lives, while not duplicating existing support services/programs. 

Proposals may be for one-time projects or for programs which require seed money and/or a trial program period of funding. There is no guarantee of future funding beyond the initial Special Projects/Emergency Fund grant.

Grants will range to a maximum of $10,000 and will be available four times during the 2023 year according to the following deadlines:

• March 1st
• May 1st
• August 1st
• November 1st

Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for funding, an organization must:

• Deliver the proposed project to the citizens of the Niagara region
• Agree to use the funds only for the approved project
• Complete the project within one year from the time of funding
• Provide a financial and outcomes report upon completion of the project

Registered charities or collaboratives working with registered charities are eligible to receive a Special Projects/Emergency Fund grant once per calendar year.

For more information, please refer to the Fund overview by following this link: Apply for Funding - United Way Niagara

For more information or assistance with the Special Projects/Emergency Fund, contact Wendy Medeiros at wendy.medeiros@unitedwayniagara.org.

If you have any technical difficulties, please contact support@submittable.com.

 Seniors’ Health & Well-Being Fund

The Seniors’ Health & Well-Being Fund will provide grants up to a total of $500 per person per calendar year. This fund is for low-income seniors above the age of 55 who are faced with health, medical and/or well-being challenges in the Niagara region. 

All requests must include two references attesting to:

1. Financial need (must be from a social worker or other social service expert)
2. Quote of service (must be from a qualified healthcare provider)

The applicant must also prove that they have sought funding through social service channels first and that the Seniors’ Health & Well-Being Fund (a.k.a. Clara Crawford Fund) is a last resort. If the application is approved, funds will be paid directly to the healthcare provider.

Please note, dental applications are not accepted through this fund (please see Healthy Smiles, Brighter Futures Adult Dental Care Loan Program). 

The Seniors’ Health & Well-Being Fund is available through the generous legacy of Clara Crawford and the David S. Howes Fund at the Niagara Community Foundation (from 2020-2022). 

United Way Niagara gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Niagara Community Foundation. The Foundation builds permanently endowed charitable funds and provides grants to eligible charitable organizations in culture, health, education, environment, recreation and social service sectors.