Our Funding Solutions: Investing in a Stronger Dutchess-Orange Region
The challenges facing our community are complex, and they require more than a single solution. They demand a collective vision and shared action. While United Way has a long history of investing in local nonprofits, the growing needs of the Dutchess-Orange Region call for a focused, collaborative approach. We believe the opportunity for profound change lies in uniting our efforts – government, businesses, schools, nonprofits, and dedicated individuals – to build a better future together.
The Need in Our Community
The data shows us the urgent reality faced by many of our neighbors:
- Poverty: 20 out of every 100 children in our region live in poverty.
- Food Insecurity: One in two children goes to bed hungry (in some areas, this number jumps to 83%).
- Education Gap: By 4th grade, a significant gap exists in reading proficiency:
- In Dutchess County, 47% of total students are reading at grade level, while only 34% of economically disadvantaged students are doing so.
- In Orange County, 40% of total students are reading at grade level compared with only 28% of economically disadvantaged students.
- Safety: Children in our region reported 750 incidents of bullying in the schools.
Available Funding:
Through the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, UWDOR seeks partnerships with nonprofit organizations during the time period of 2026-2027. Our intention is to invest sufficient funding to achieve significant results.
United Way’s Community Fund is divided into two funding categories:
Previously funded programs
Please indicate the amount you are requesting (maximum request of $20,000).
Programs not previously funded
United Way has allotted funding in increments up to $10,000 for these requests. If United Way selects your program for funding you may be eligible for additional funding next year. This is contingent that your organization remaining in good standing with regard to all United Way contract requirements. Future additional funding is not a guarantee.
Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI)
UWDOR is preparing to launch our Community Funding cycle for 2026-2027. As a first step, we are requesting a brief Letter of Intent (LOI) from eligible organizations.
Eligibility
- Your organization must be a 501c3 non-profit serving either Dutchess or Orange County.
- The LOI is required for any program that UWDOR has not funded within the past three years.
Funding Priorities
Your program must align with our specific funding priorities in the following areas:
- Education
- Financial Stability
- Health
- Veteran Needs
Important Dates
LOI Opens: Monday, November 10, 2025
LOI Closes: Monday, December 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Notification: Applicants will be notified in January 2026 whether they are invited to submit a full application.
For further information or questions, please email us at: ci-inbox@uwdor.org.
Funding Opportunities and Strategies
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region (UWDOR) is committed to making significant investments to achieve measurable results in key areas. Through our Request for Proposal (RFP) process, we seek partnerships with dedicated nonprofit organizations for the funding period of July 2026 – June 2027.
Our Community Fund is strategically divided into the following focus areas:
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region (UWDOR) issues this Request for Proposal (RFP) as a part of our commitment to improve the health of our neighbors affected by poverty and limited resources. UWDOR’s commitment to health investment targets strategies that aim to increase food security and access to healthy foods.
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region (UWDOR) issues this Request for Proposal (RFP) as a part of our commitment to improving the education of our neighbors facing poverty and limited resources. UWDOR targets our education investment through strategies that aim to improve the academic achievement of our community’s youth and support workforce development opportunities for adults. Our goal is to maximize educational outcomes for children and adults living in Dutchess and Orange counties so they can forge a path toward lifelong learning and success.
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region (UWDOR) issues this Request for Proposal (RFP) as a part of our commitment to achieve the goal of improving the condition of our neighbors affected by poverty and limited resources. UWDOR’s commitment to financial stability targets strategies that aim to support the financial stability of our most vulnerable neighbors.
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region (UWDOR) issues this Request for Proposal (RFP) as a part of our commitment to achieve the goal of improving the condition of our neighbors affected by poverty and limited resources. This is in partnership with the MISSION UNITED™ platform. UWDOR targets strategies that support the financial stability of our veterans and their families. We aim to improve outcomes for our veterans living in Dutchess and Orange counties by assisting them and their families along their path to financial stability.
Resources
Writing a grant can be a daunting experience. Fortunately, we have some resources to help you complete the Request for Proposal process.
The Balance
The Balance provides valuable and though articles, lists and tips relating to grant writing. You'll find helpful articles ranging from writing effective grant proposal cover letters to tips on developing a grant proposal writing process.
Nonprofit Hub
Nonprofit Hub has a grant writing section filled with a potpourri of tips. You'll find useful articles like "Grant Writing Best Practices: 5 Tips from 5 Experts" and "The Anatomy of a Great Grant Application." For further information, you can attend the online Nonprofit Hub University and participate in the available webinars.
The Foundation Center
The Foundation Center is an innovative nonprofit that gathers and analyzes data before sharing it with interested individuals worldwide. The Foundation Center offers a variety of philanthropy and grant writing tools online, including: Foundation Center Training, GrantSpace and GrantCraft. Furthermore, you can participate in live webinar training, webinar recordings, and eLearning courses.
Stanford Social Innovation Review - Creating High-Impact Nonprofits
An article published by the Stanford Social Innovation Review, this study of 12 high-impact nonprofits illustrates various methods of establishing volunteerism and expanding the awareness and impact of organizations.
Four Lenses Strategic Framework - Enhancing Models
The Four Lenses Strategic Framework delves into methods that establish or enhance existing social enterprise operational models. It examines a variety of models, such as fundamental models, combining models and enhancing models, that pertain to nonprofits.
Proven Models
Proven Models, the premier knowledgebase of actionable management models, features a plethora of models that align with not only the vision and mission of an organization but also with an organization’s program’s needs. Various models are available via the search function or by exploring the topics listed. Various topics include organization design and development, program and project management, strategic management, innovation and risk, leadership and management and more.
SAMSHA National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s NREPP features scientifically established behavioral health interventions. This section contains:
- NREPP’s Learning Center, which provides resources relating to evidence-based programs and practices
- A database of interventions reviewed by the NREPP
- The NREPP submission and review process
Stanford Social Innovation Review - Ten Nonprofit Funding Models
Brought to you by the Stanford Social Innovation Review, this article explores ten proven nonprofit funding models that will help shape an effective funding strategy. Example models include “Heartfelt Connector,” “Beneficiary Builder,” and “Member Motivator.”
County Health Rankings
County Health Rankings offers a variety of statistics on the health demographics of every county in New York State. Not only can you select a county and review the county's demographics, but you can also compare health statistics between selected counties. County demographic categories include: Length of Life, Quality of Life, Health Behaviors, Clinical Care, Social & Economic Factors and Physical Environment.
Mid-Hudson Valley Community Profiles
Mid-Hudson Valley Community Profiles features portraits and data on Dutchess, Orange and Ulster Counties as well as the Mid-Hudson Valley Region. These profiles highlight statistics revolving around the well-being of the region’s and counties’ children, the state of the economy, poverty, and healthcare access. Topics include: Children and Youth, Community Engagement, Demographics, Economy, Education, Financial Stability, Health, Housing, and Public Safety.
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans offers vital statistics on the homeless veteran population. Furthermore, media sources, including publications, as well as policy and legislation sources are available. Additionally, the site contains information on grants, in-kind sources and helpful tips on beginning a veterans program.
The National Center for Education Statistics
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is the primary source for education-based statistics regarding K-12 students. You'll find immense amounts of data, facts and tools to help you during the application process.
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau offers a wealth of statistical data on the following topics: Population, Economy, Emergency Preparedness, Housing, Employment, Income & Poverty, Business, Families & Living Arrangements, International Trade, Education, Health and Public Sector.
Questions?
Given the number of anticipated applicants, United Way requests that all further questions be submitted in writing to ci-inbox@uwdor.org. United Way cannot provide guidance on the content of an application.