United Way of the Capital Region

At the forefront of United Way’s mission is a commitment to address the emerging needs of our community. To help do this, United Way of the Capital Region (UWCR) created the Community Response Fund, a grant program geared toward pressing community issues.

Community Response Fund Grants:

Community Response Fund Grants fund programs and services offered by non-profit health and human service agencies that meet priority needs, as established by UWCR's Board of Directors. The Community Response Fund was established to fund programs that address priority human service needs in Eastern Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties not currently addressed by UWCR through its existing package of services. Community Response Fund Grants are provided for a term of one year (April 1, 2013 -March 31, 2014), after which the need for the program and the provider’s performance will be evaluated. UWCR may extend or decline further funding at its discretion. No continued commitment of funding is promised or implied. The maximum cap for these grants has been set at $50,000. This year, the Community Response Funding is being underwritten by a generous contribution from Highmark Blue Shield.

View the 2013-14Community Response Fund grants.

Funding Priorities for 2013-2014:

These are the funding priorities for the Community Response Fund Grants funded in our current year.

Access to Health Care:

Additional and expanded services that provide area residents greater access to health care is a priority in our community. Programs considered under this category include:  mental health services; behavioral health services, physical health care services; prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases; drug and alcohol services; and access to prescription medications and medical supplies.

Family Economic Stability:

Many area residents struggle to meet the most basic needs for themselves and their families. They may lack essential life and job skills needed to achieve success. Programs that address the following issues will be considered:  basic needs (food, shelter, clothing, heating and utility assistance, etc.); stable housing; workforce development and employment; and life skills needed to attain family and economic stability (budgeting, financial literacy, workplace etiquette, etc.).

Education and Life Transitions:

Developing a lifelong love of learning is critical to a successful life and career.  Programs that support individuals in successfully navigating every life stage will be considered such as helping students transition through the educational system (mentoring, tutoring, early child care and education); helping adults prepare for a successful retirement and aging in place; and helping youth transition to adulthood and its responsibilities.

Applying for Community Response Fund Grants:

All applications must be submitted using UWCR’s e-CImpact automated proposal system. Instructions on the use of the system are available at the instruction link below. If your organization is interested in applying for UWCR Community Response Funding, please submit your application by using UWCR's e-CImpact site.

More information about Community Response Fund grants can be found in the For Non-Profits, How to Receive United Way Funding section of our web site.

View instructions on how to apply for the Community Response Fund.

For more information on applying or questions about the grant process, please contact Susan Wokulich at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 717.732.0700.

DEADLINES FOR GRANT APPLICATIONS:

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION HAS PAST.  The next round will open on or about October 1, 2013.  If you would like to receive a written notice when applications are being accepted in the future, please provide your mailing address to Susan Wokulich at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or by calling 717.732.0700.