Granite United Way Responsive Grant

Granite United Way (GUW) is offering its third round of Responsive Community Grants as part of the Summer 2025 cycle. GUW is a nonprofit organization with over a century of experience in philanthropic investment and community engagement. Through partnerships with nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses, the organization supports initiatives that address pressing community challenges, including housing, childcare, financial stability, and health. The Responsive Grant program, a core part of GUW’s Community Investment strategy, aims to fund organizations meeting immediate and emerging needs, particularly those serving underserved and historically marginalized populations. This grant opportunity offers awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with a focus on grassroots and community-based organizations. Funding is unrestricted and may be used for operational costs, capital expenses, sponsorships, or other urgent needs as outlined in the application. Applications should demonstrate alignment with GUW’s mission and strategic goals, with emphasis on equity, inclusion, and local impact. Funds are distributed in full within eight weeks following the award decisions, and recipients have up to 12 months to use the grant. A final report is required at the end of the funding period. To apply, organizations must first complete a Request for Qualification (RFQ), which is always open. The RFQ requires submission of a mission statement, IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter or fiscal sponsor documentation, the most recent financial documents (audit, review, or compilation as applicable), IRS Form 990 or 990 EZ, and verification of registration and good standing in New Hampshire or Vermont. Upon RFQ approval, applicants may access the Request for Proposals (RFP) portal. The RFP application period runs from June 23, 2025, to July 18, 2025. During this time, eligible organizations may submit proposals for review. Each application must indicate the region being applied to, requested funding amount, organizational budget size, number of staff, and annual population served. Proposal components include an organization summary, funding request description with urgency and anticipated impact, evaluation metrics, and potential consequences if funding is not received. Applicants must also upload a current agency operational budget. Applications are reviewed by local Community Impact Committees (CICs), composed of volunteers who reside and work in the target regions. The CICs evaluate proposals based on alignment with GUW’s mission, urgency and scope of need, and the projected impact of the investment. Recommendations are forwarded to GUW’s Board of Directors, with award notifications issued in September 2025. Selected organizations will receive a single lump-sum payment, and are expected to maintain activity and expenditure records for compliance. Regional contacts are available to support applicants: Scoop Welch (Central), Kerry Folkins (Greater Seacoast), Christina Huntress (Merrimack County), Nanci Carney (North Country), Laura Boucher (Northern NH), KR Epstein (Southern), and Katie Berndsen (Upper Valley). General inquiries regarding the application system can be sent to rfp@graniteuw.org.

Organizations should complete RFQ early and align proposals with equity and impact goals.