Changemaker Grants

The Changemaker Grants program, administered by the United Way of Greater New Bedford, offers grassroots funding support for volunteer-led initiatives that aim to foster positive change in local communities. With over 25 years of community investment experience, United Way has funded 861 community projects since the program’s inception in 1995. These grants empower individuals and small informal groups to implement small-scale but impactful projects that address local needs and promote civic engagement, social unity, and community-driven solutions. The funder is a private, nonprofit organization committed to improving lives and strengthening communities in the SouthCoast region of Massachusetts. The Changemaker Grant is a reimbursement-only grant opportunity providing awards of up to $2,500 per project. Funds can be used to implement projects in one of four focus areas: Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency. All proposed activities must offer innovative, engaging, and realistic solutions that are achievable within one year. While legal nonprofit incorporation (such as 501(c)(3) status) is not required, all applicants must demonstrate that their efforts are inclusive and accessible to all individuals, regardless of race, gender, religion, or other characteristics. To be eligible, applicants must represent all-volunteer groups with annual budgets not exceeding $40,000. Eligible groups must consist of at least three members, including at least one adult, and must be based in one of the following communities: New Bedford, Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Mattapoisett, Marion, Rochester, or Wareham. Groups cannot be formal subcommittees or task forces of larger nonprofit organizations or businesses. Examples of eligible groups include neighborhood associations, concerned parents, youth-led efforts with adult oversight, or "Friends of" groups clearly distinguishable from other organizational structures. Grants are evaluated based on community engagement, innovation, feasibility, and potential for long-term impact. All funded projects must begin after award notification and be completed within 12 months. Applications must be submitted online via the CommunityForce platform. For 2025, applications are open and due by Monday, August 11th. The program is recurring and typically opens in January each year, with new cycles announced on the United Way website. In addition to funding, grantees receive access to skill-building workshops, networking events, and recruitment assistance through Volunteer SouthCoast. Restrictions on spending include ineligibility for covering rent, stipends, equipment, food not essential to the project, and promotional items for resale, among others. All expenses must be submitted through reimbursement requests via CommunityForce, and no advance payments are issued. Applicants may attend optional Zoom info sessions to learn more about the grant. For 2025, sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, July 15th, and Monday, July 21st at 5 PM. For further assistance, interested parties can contact Sarah Rose at 508-994-9625 ext. 218 or via email at srose@unitedwayofgnb.org. The funder’s office is located at 128 Union Street, Suite 403, New Bedford, MA 02740.

Attend the info session to ask questions and understand expectations. Use the CommunityForce platform for all submissions and reimbursements.