Press release
United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes reopens applications for its Creating Synergy for a Stronger Future Grant, an opportunity designed to help nonprofits improve operational efficiency and program impact. The grants are one-time investments to help nonprofits build stronger foundations to serve communities across the six-county region, including Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. Examples of previous supported projects include technology and systems upgrades, leadership and board development, organizational development, strategic planning, merger and affiliation initiatives.
Last year, United Way invested over $1.06 million in 26 nonprofit organizations through the Creating Synergy for a Stronger Future Grant. A total of 135 nonprofit agencies requested more than $9 million through last year’s application process, demonstrating the ongoing, critical gaps in organizational capacity that impact nonprofits’ ability to serve their communities.
“Nonprofits pour everything they have into their missions, often at the expense of the internal systems that keep them strong for the long haul,” said Robert De Leon, vice president of impact at United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes. “This grant exists to close that gap and strengthen the entire network of services our community depends on.”
Eligible applicants must be health and human service nonprofits in Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, or Wyoming counties, hold 501(c)(3) status effective January 1, 2025 or earlier, and be current with NYS Charities Bureau and IRS filings. Full eligibility and evaluation criteria are available in the application guide.
Applications are due August 13 at noon, and funding decisions will be announced in November. To learn more and apply, visit unitedwayrocflx.org/synergy-grant