Pocono Mountains United Way (PMUW) is offering funding through its FY 2026–2027 Resource Investment Process to support 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Monroe County, Pennsylvania. With a mission to mobilize resources to improve lives through accelerated community change, PMUW emphasizes strategic investments that align with key community priorities: education, health, and financial mobility. The funding initiative is designed to assist programs that address unmet or undermet needs in the community, particularly for residents falling within the ALICE population—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed.
This funding opportunity prioritizes programs that target critical areas such as mental health, childcare, domestic violence prevention, and basic needs like food and transportation. Housing support is a major area of focus, including rental assistance, eviction prevention, financial coaching, and services for people experiencing homelessness. Additionally, PMUW encourages applications that provide innovative approaches for stabilizing renters and supporting at-risk homeowners. The investment process also promotes equity and inclusion by prioritizing proposals that address the disproportionate impacts on People of Color, socially disadvantaged households, and women.
To be eligible, organizations must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a valid EIN, current registration from the Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Charitable Organizations, and a proven operational history of at least 24 continuous months. A minimum of $20,000 in revenue in the most recent fiscal year is required. Organizations must also maintain adequate insurance and demonstrate financial accountability through audits or reviews, depending on their revenue thresholds. Applicants must commit to using awarded funds exclusively for services provided to Monroe County residents.
The application process opens January 1, 2026, and the final deadline for submission is January 31, 2026, at 11:00 PM. All submissions must be completed through PMUW’s e-CImpact portal, where agencies will be required to create a profile and provide agency-level documentation such as IRS forms, annual reports, financials, board information, and organizational policies. Program-specific components include a detailed description of the initiative, its alignment with PMUW's Priority Needs, performance measures, and a program budget and narrative.
Applications are evaluated based on several criteria, including demonstrated need, approach, expected results, and organizational capacity. Preference is given to programs that employ evidence-based or highly innovative strategies with strong potential for impact. Programs must include clear performance measures with anticipated outcomes and metrics to assess whether participants are measurably better off. A logic model is used to guide applicants through inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes in the online portal.
Once submitted, applications undergo a review process beginning with financial and program panels in February through April 2026, followed by funding decisions announced in June 2026. Selected grantees will receive quarterly payments beginning August 2026. For further support, applicants can contact Maria Schramm, Associate Director of Community Impact, at [email protected] or 570-517-5362. Agencies are encouraged to begin the process early and reach out for technical assistance as needed.
