Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund

Purpose: A permanent, community-powered resource that delivers fast, stabilizing support to people and organizations across the Triangle when unexpected needs arise.

Background: Permanent fund grounded in the Invest–Convene–Amplify approach, designed to strengthen the region's ability to respond quickly to crises.

Geographic Scope: Orange, Durham, Johnston, and Wake counties

Focus Areas:

• Housing stability
• Food access
• Transportation
• Essential needs created by crisis
• Support for nonprofits facing increased demand due to crisis

Eligible Support Includes:

• Housing stability
• Food access
• Transportation
• Other essential needs created by a crisis

For Individuals

Eligibility Requirements:

• Live in Orange, Durham, Johnston, or Wake County
• Show a financial hardship affecting basic needs
• Provide a short explanation of the situation

For Nonprofit Organizations

Eligibility Requirements:

• Demonstrate a crisis leading to a clear spike in requests for help
• Show how funding will support residents facing instability

Eligible Uses:

• Direct assistance
• Expanded capacity
• Other critical needs tied to serving residents facing instability

Fund Administration

Administrative Fee: United Way retains a 5% administrative fee for application processing, review, communications, and reporting. The majority of funds reach the community.

Contact Information:

• Email: liveunited@unitedwaytriangle.org
• Phone: (919) 460-8687
• Mailing: P.O. Box 110583, Durham, NC 27709

For Individuals

1. Submit: Complete a short online form describing the hardship and county of residence
2. Review: UWGT program staff review all submissions, with philanthropic partners assisting as needed
3. Decision: Applicants are notified within two weeks
4. Disbursement: Payments made directly to individual or vendor; W-9 and mailing or banking details required

For Nonprofits

1. Submit: Brief application outlining the increased demand and how funds will support impacted residents
2. Review: UWGT assesses need, alignment, and readiness
3. Decision: Notifications delivered within two weeks
4. Disbursement: Funds released promptly to enable organizations to address urgent community needs