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.
The Program Investment Allocation is designed to support registered charities and qualified donees by providing funding for a specific program or project that aligns with our mission and priority areas. (Previously known as the Community Impact Fund/Annual Allocation.)
Looking for more details? Our Community Investment Application Guide walks you through everything you need to know to apply for funding – from eligibility to the application process. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out through the Contact link below. We’re here to help.
We are looking for partners to help us distributed 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: ENGAGE – Recreational Subsidy Programs Partnership is designed to support community-based recreation programs by removing financial barriers to participation. This initiative helps sports leagues, arts programs, camps, and other eligible organizations offer accessible opportunities that promote inclusion, healthy development, confidence, creativity, and connection throughout Northumberland County. Eligible partners may apply for a grant of up to $5,000 to support recreational programming.
Haven for All: LEARN – Job Training Program Partnership is designed to support skill-building programs by removing barriers to practical, work-related training. This initiative helps job training providers, workforce development organizations, and other eligible partners build skilled, confident individuals and strengthen long-term workplace success throughout Northumberland County. Eligible partners may apply for a grant of up to $5,000 to support job training programs.
We are looking for partners to help us distribute rental subsidies. The Haven for All Rental Subsidy Program for Seniors (and Families) is designed to support older adults by increasing access to financial assistance for those experiencing temporary difficulty meeting their housing costs. This initiative helps seniors remain housed and avoid displacement during times of financial hardship throughout Northumberland County.
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.
The Northumberland Eats GROW Strategy is designed to support community-based food programs that provide food growing and food education opportunities, helping individuals and communities build skills in growing, preparing, and understanding food, while strengthening food security and community connection throughout Northumberland County.
The Grocery Card & Food Hamper Program is designed to support individuals facing food insecurity throughout Northumberland County. In response to ongoing requests from the community, this initiative helps front-line workers and service providers apply on behalf of their clients for grocery cards or purchased food hampers, ensuring continued access to nutritious food.
The Period Promise Hygiene Cabinet Program is designed to support community-based organizations by increasing access to free menstrual and hygiene products throughout Northumberland County. Each cabinet is stocked with Dignity Kits (a one-week supply of menstrual products in a reusable bag), family hygiene supplies, menstrual products, and incontinence products for seniors – addressing a critical need for individuals and families experiencing poverty. This initiative helps not-for-profit organizations house our new branded cabinets, improving distribution and strengthening access to essential hygiene products for those who need them most.
The Cold Storage Expansion for Rural Food Security & Resilience Fund is designed to support community-based food programs by increasing access to cold storage infrastructure. Funded by FCC AgriSpirit, this initiative helps food banks, meal programs, food cabinets, and other eligible organizations expand their capacity to safely store and distribute nutritious food, reduce food waste, and strengthen local food security throughout Northumberland County.
Thank you for your interest in our Strategic Investment Grants.
These programs accept applications on a quarterly basis. Check back for updates.
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!
