First of Three New Responsive Grant Funding Cycles Completed by Granite United Way Volunteers

 

Aligning with its Strategic Plan, Granite United Way now offers nonprofits an opportunity to access responsive funding three times per year with grants ranging from $1,000 - $10,000 each cycle. 

 

“Granite United Way is committed to adapting to the needs of our community and nonprofit partners. Our decision to move to a three times per year funding model was validated by the vast number of critical needs presented by our local nonprofits,” said Nichole Martin Reimer, President and CEO of Granite United Way. “Our local Community Impact Committee volunteers evaluated each of the applications and had the opportunity to review the current needs of our community. As a result of their thoughtful consideration, we are investing over $300,000 into these programs immediately.”

 

Certified 501(c)3 organizations, or organizations with a fiscal sponsor, had the opportunity to apply for funding in all 7 of the regions Granite United Way serves. General grant funding is intended to support programs that enable individuals and communities to Learn, Earn and Be Healthy. 

 

 

• Over $300,000 to be distributed

• Local Community Impact Committee members evaluated all applications and made funding recommendation to Granite United Way’s Board of Directors

• Grant requests ranged from $1,000 - $10,000

• Nearly 50% of the organizations who applied received partial or full funding

• Establishing a more equitable funding model was a key component of the overall funding strategy and aligns with Granite United Way’s Strategic Plan

• Awarded grants will be distributed in January 2025

 

 

“Granite United Way’s move to a three times per year funding model is innovative and provides our local nonprofits with flexibility. By offering this opportunity multiple times per year, both immediate needs can be addressed, and organizations also have a chance to be future-focused in their applications. I am proud to be working with Granite United Way in this new and responsive way, it is one the things that makes GUW unique. They listen to their partners and adjust to the needs of the community.” said Betsey Rhynhart, Vice President of Population Health at Concord Hospital and Granite United Way Board Member.

 

“I am a big supporter of Granite United Way’s “responsive funding” format. This is a bold move that represents the significant change in the way Granite United way funds local efforts and I feel it provides greater flexibility to fund needs as they arise with a quicker turnaround. I also feel this method targets our donors’ dollar to where it is needed most.”  said Christopher Emond, CEO of Boys and Girls Club of Central and Northern New Hampshire and Granite United Way Board Member.

 

 

“It was great to see Granite United Way’s responsive funding model in action. We had the opportunity to learn about and discuss the most urgent needs in our community and quickly support organizations working to address those needs. I’m excited about the new RFP process because it enables the Community Impact Committees to continue these discussions, interact with local nonprofits multiple times per year, and help maximize Granite United Way’s impact on the community.” said Bradley Zarek, Design Engineer for Texas Instruments and Southern Region Community Impact Committee Member.

 

"The Community Impact Committee (CIC) represents a new grassroots-level grant review process that underscores the importance of listening to the community's voice. This fosters responsive funding and allows us to meet real needs in real time, empowering local leaders and initiatives to create lasting, meaningful impact. This approach strengthens trust, equity, and resilience within the community.” said Anne M. Goodrich, Executive Director, Maynard House and CIC Member.

 

“The North Country Community Impact Committee (CIC) is excited about Granite United Way's decision to increase its grant cycle frequency from once every two years to three times a year. This change enables our volunteers to be nimble and responsive, addressing unexpected funding challenges faced by local agencies in a timely manner. In the past, when local nonprofits encountered urgent needs mid-cycle, they may have waited up to two years for the next funding opportunity. Now, agencies are never more than four months away from applying for much-needed support. Our first round of grants under this new model was a success, and we are thrilled to continue working with our community partners to ensure essential resources are delivered when and where they’re needed most.” said Rusty Talbot, Founder of North Country Climbing Center and CIC Member. 

 

“Granite United Way’s move to a responsive grant making model has been a much-needed change in the way our nonprofits are supported. During the past year I have had the opportunity to connect with many of our partners and the need for immediate financial help has been increasingly evident. The new process provides greater opportunity to understand the issues faced by our partners as they address the needs we all serve.” said Nick Toumpas, Granite United Way Board Member and Community Impact Committee Member. “Providing an opportunity three times a year can help a nonprofit address an issue as they arise and also provide them with a chance to be future-focused in their application. It is one of the ways Granite United Way is so unique in its support of local nonprofits.”

 

The next opportunity for responsive funding is anticipated to open in February 2025. Information will be posted on Granite United Way’s website.