The United Way of Greater New Haven has launched its 2025 Thriving Families Grant to address the urgent economic challenges facing underserved communities in the region. With 42% of Greater New Haven households unable to meet basic needs according to the 2024 ALICE Report, and the cost of survival for a family of four now exceeding $114,000 annually, the grant seeks to empower workforce development programs that connect job seekers to well-paying, career-advancing employment.
This funding initiative is designed to support job seekers who identify as BIPOC, low-income individuals, female heads of households, people re-entering the workforce after incarceration, individuals experiencing homelessness, immigrants, and people with disabilities. Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government agencies, schools or academic institutions, and faith-based organizations that operate in the Greater New Haven area and offer employment-related programming to the ALICE population (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).
The Thriving Families Grant provides flexible financial support ranging from $5,000 to $30,000. These funds may be used for expenses that remove barriers to job readiness, placement, and retention for up to one year of employment. Allowable uses include costs for transportation, childcare, recruitment, technology, stipends, uniforms, and job search support. Priority is given to programs with a proven track record of helping underserved populations achieve and sustain employment.
To be considered, organizations must have an established employment program within Greater New Haven, defined as including the towns of Bethany, Branford, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, West Haven, and Woodbridge. All applicants must also maintain a non-discrimination policy.
Interested applicants can access the grant application, budget template, and register for informational sessions via the United Way of Greater New Haven’s website. For more information or assistance, organizations can contact the United Way directly at their headquarters at 370 James Street, Suite 403, New Haven, CT 06513 or by phone at 203-772-2010.
