UWCM United Response Fund

UWCM United Response Fund

Status: Active

Geographic Scope: Central Massachusetts region

Focus Areas:

Rapid, flexible relief in response to urgent community needs

Disaster response and emergency assistance

Crisis intervention support

Food security support (SNAP assistance)

Energy assistance (LIHEAP)

Support for affected agencies, nonprofits, and businesses

Background:
The United Response Fund is a $500,000 initiative launched by the United Way of Central Massachusetts to address emerging community needs. It was created in recognition of normalized instability and increasing disasters caused by natural and man-made disruptions.

Fund Components:

Immediate Relief: Assists affected agencies/nonprofits/businesses with immediate needs not covered by government programs or traditional relief sources

Recovery: Longer-term resources to aid recovery and strengthen community rebuilding

Resilience: Efficient, transparent fund management ensuring ongoing resources for the community and preparedness for future crises

Eligibility Criteria:

Established on a case-by-case basis appropriate to:

- Scale of the unique disaster
- Number of individuals impacted
- Significance of recovery response needed

Organizations can be agencies, nonprofits, or businesses

Application Process:
Funds are quickly allocated through a streamlined review process using best practices learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contact:

For agencies/nonprofits/businesses applying regarding food security (SNAP) and/or energy assistance (LIHEAP): Kerry Conaghan, Kerry.Conaghan@unitedwaycm.org

United Way of Central Massachusetts

18 Chestnut Street, Suite 530

Worcester, MA 01608

(508) 757-5631