United Way/2-1-1 ALICE Program Mini-Grants
Funding Amount
Up to $500 per qualified household
Deadline
Rolling (quarterly review)
Grant Type
Foundation
Deadline history & next window
- Cycle
- Rolling — applications accepted year-round
- Tracked since
- April 2026
Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.
Can we apply?
Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.
Other requirements
- Car insurance and repairs
- Childcare expenses
- Essential appliances
- Health insurance
Overview
Current Status: Program is currently on pause as of May 28, 2025. Check back for updates on when the program will be reinstated. Call 211 for information on available supports and services in Tompkins County.
The UW/211 ALICE Program provides mini-grants to households facing financial difficulties. This is a collaborative effort with the Human Services Coalition.
Target Population:
- Residents and those who work in Tompkins County
- Households at or below United Way's ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) thresholds
- Note: ALICE thresholds include more moderate income households than many other assistance programs
Eligible Uses of Funds:
- Car insurance and repairs
- Childcare expenses
- Essential appliances
- Health insurance
- Phone and utility bills
- Rent
- Other expenses agreed upon by United Way
Eligibility:
- Must meet ALICE income thresholds for Tompkins County
- Specific thresholds vary by household size (see ALICE thresholds table at unitedforalice.org)
More Information:
- Learn about ALICE: Visit unitedforalice.org
- Eligibility questions: Call 2-1-1 at 1-877-211-8667 and a skilled operator will help you navigate the information
Contact:
- United Way of Tompkins County
- Address: 313 North Aurora Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
- Phone: 607-272-6286
- Email: info@uwtc.org
How to Apply
How to Apply
Current Status: The UW/211 ALICE Program is currently on pause (as of May 28, 2025). Please check back for updates on when the program will be reinstated.
Information and Eligibility Determination
- Call 2-1-1 at 1-877-211-8667
- Speak with a skilled operator who will help you:
- Determine if your household qualifies based on ALICE thresholds
- Understand the application process
- Navigate program requirements
Income Qualification:
- ALICE thresholds for Tompkins County vary by household size
- For specific thresholds, see the income table available at unitedforalice.org or call 211
Application Assistance:
- Contact United Way of Tompkins County
- Email: info@uwtc.org
- Phone: 607-272-6286
- Address: 313 North Aurora Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
What United Way of Tompkins County Inc actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990, 2025
- Grants in 2025
- 42
- Total given
- $635K
- Median grant
- $10K
- Range
- $5,004–$51K
- By dollars: New York 100%. Top recipient cities: Ithaca, NY; Buffalo, NY; Syracuse, NY.
- 100% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
- 19% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.
Example grants
Greater Ithaca Activities Center · Ithaca, NY
General assistance
$51K
Family & Children's Services · Ithaca, NY
General assistance
$43K
Catholic Charities of Tompkinstioga · Ithaca, NY
General assistance
$40K
Ithaca Health Alliance · Ithaca, NY
General assistance
$38K
Foodnet Meals on Wheels · Ithaca, NY
General assistance
$34K
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
- Hardship
- Human services
Categories
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