Community Impact Grant

The Middlesex United Way's 2026–2027 Community Impact Grant is a targeted funding opportunity designed to support nonprofit organizations delivering community-focused programs within Middlesex County, Connecticut. This initiative reflects the funder's mission to respond to documented local needs, fortify systemic community efforts, and achieve measurable outcomes that directly improve the lives of individuals and families. Through this grant cycle, the organization seeks to uplift programmatic work that strengthens community resilience, economic security, health access, and youth opportunity while ensuring equity is embedded throughout. Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed activities are explicitly designed for the residents of Middlesex County and that all services, deliverables, and outcomes will benefit this region alone. The grant will not support activities occurring outside the county, capital expenditures, scholarship programs, or third-party contracts. Eligible organizations include nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status or those using a qualified fiscal sponsor. Statewide or regional organizations may apply only if they provide a clear plan for allocating all requested funds to Middlesex County-specific work. General statewide initiatives without geographic focus will not be considered. Award amounts range from $5,000 to $30,000. The funds must be used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the application, and misuse, such as reallocation to unrelated services or administrative contracts, is prohibited. Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with one or more of Middlesex United Way’s Community Impact Areas. These include Youth Opportunity, Healthy Communities, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency, each encompassing targeted goals such as early education access, job training, mental and physical health services, and community planning and partnerships. Equity is not a stand-alone category but a foundational principle that should underpin all initiatives. The application opens on Friday, January 16, 2026, and closes Friday, March 27, 2026. All applications must be submitted via email to Brian Thompson by the deadline. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted. Required materials include the primary application form, a leadership, staff, and board demographics chart, and any additional documentation as outlined within the application. Interested applicants should thoroughly review the complete application packet before submitting their materials. To support potential applicants, Middlesex United Way is hosting an informational session via Zoom on February 17, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This session will cover key aspects of the funding priorities, tips for creating a competitive proposal, and the overall submission process. Registration is required to attend the session and obtain the Zoom link. Applications will be evaluated by both volunteers and staff based on clarity, alignment with impact areas, community benefit, and organizational readiness. If awarded, the grantee will be expected to use the funds exclusively as approved and report back on measurable results. Any organization previously funded must also be in good standing with Middlesex United Way to be eligible. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Brian Thompson, Director of Community Impact, via email or phone.

Attend the February 17 info session to understand key priorities and common application mistakes.