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Community Funding & Grants

Investing in What Matters: Our New Community Investment Strategy

Northumberland United Way is proud to launch a renewed and more targeted approach to community investment – one that aligns our funding more closely with the most pressing needs and priorities in our region. Through this updated strategy, we are committed to driving meaningful community impact by supporting programs and services that deliver real change for individuals and families in Northumberland County. 

Our investment model now features four distinct funding streams, each designed to address specific community priorities. Organizations are invited to apply for support through the stream(s) that best match their program’s goals and client outcomes: 

  • A Program Investment Allocation: Formerly known as the Community Impact Funding or Annual Allocation, with changes. The new Program Investment Allocation will support a local registered charity with a core investment in one of its programs that aligns with United Way’s broader impact areas: All That Kids Can Be (Help children and youth reach their potential), From Poverty to Possibility (Meet basic human needs and move people out of poverty), and Healthy People, Strong Communities (Improving opportunities for people to access local resources, programs and services).
  • Haven for All: A targeted investment stream focused on aiding housing stability and homelessness prevention, providing not-for-profits with some funding to directly help their clients, ensuring that everyone in Northumberland has a safe place to call home.
  • Northumberland Eats: Designed to combat food insecurity, this stream supports organizations delivering food access, nutrition programs, and innovative hunger-relief initiatives. 
  • Period Promise: A strategic stream addressing period poverty, this fund helps ensure access to free menstrual products.

Each stream has a dedicated application process and its own set of criteria and reporting requirements. We encourage applicants to think about their program goals and how they align with the outcomes that Northumberland United Way wishes to achieve with its investments before submitting a proposal.

Together, through these focused investments, we aim to build a stronger, healthier, and more equitable Northumberland County.

Partner With Us: Apply for Funding

 A Program Investment Allocation

Through our Program Investment Allocation, (formally known as Community Impact Fund or Annual Allocation, with changes), we invite registered charities and qualified donees to apply for funding to support a specific program or project that aligns with our mission and priority areas.

 

Program Investment Application Guide

Looking for more details? Our Community Investment Application Guide walks you through everything you need to know to apply for funding. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out through the Contact link below — we’re here to help.

 

Haven for All: Diversion Funds

The Haven for All’s Diversion Funds program is designed to support individuals and families who are at a risk of homelessness by providing flexible, short-term financial assistance that helps them remain housed or secure alternative housing without entering the shelter system.

 

Haven for All: Rental Subsidy for Seniors

Our Haven for All Rental Subsidy Program for Seniors provides financial assistance to older adults who are experiencing temporary difficulty in meeting their housing costs. This program is designed to help seniors remain housed and avoid displacement during times of financial hardship.

 

Northumberland Eats: FEED Strategy

The Northumberland Eats Feed Strategy is designed to support community-based food programs that provide nutritious meals and meaningful social inclusion opportunities to individuals facing housing insecurity, employment instability, food insecurity, or social isolation.

 

Northumberland Eats: GROW Strategy

The Northumberland Eats Grow Strategy is designed to support community-based food programs that provide nutritious meals and meaningful social inclusion opportunities to individuals facing housing insecurity, employment instability, food insecurity, or social isolation.

 

Northumberland Eats: Essential Grocery Cards and/or Food Hamper

The traditional Northumberland EATS food voucher program ended but there have been multiple requests to bring back some additional supports to clients who are facing food insecurity. We have developed a new grocery card/purchase of food hamper program that you can apply for on behalf of your clients.

 

Period Promise Program: Cabinet Request

Our local Period Promise program has created a new method to distribute free menstrual hygiene products by developing our Period Promise and Hygiene Cabinet. Our goal is to improve distribution throughout Northumberland County and we are looking for applications from Not-for Profit organizations to house our new branded cabinets. 

 

Period Promise: Designated Distribution Network 

Through our newly enhanced Period Promise program, we are inviting eligible not-for-profit organizations to apply to become members of our Period Promise Designated Distribution Network. This application process ensures that our support is responsive, organized, and aligned with the needs of the community.

 

Thank you for your interest in our Strategic Investment Grants. Please note: Our annual Community Investment Grant is now closed for 2025.

All other grant programs are now closed as of August 25, 2025. These programs accept applications on a quarterly basis. Check back for updates.

For more information about Northumberland United Way Community Funding and Grants, please contact us.

Reports & Policies

It's our Radiothon &
Giving Tuesday!

Today’s the day! Join us for our 4th annual Radiothon presented by Cobourg KIA, broadcasting live on Classic Rock 107.9, 93.3 myFM, and Oldies 100.9. We’re bringing the excitement to you from Lauria Hyundai in Port Hope and The Market & Smør in Cobourg. Your support directly benefits the Northumberland Eats Voucher Program and other essential programs. Tune in now and be part of the positive impact!