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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.

Each year, UWCR’s Board of Directors use money set aside for the Fund to address identified priorities in our community. Community residents, just like you, help United Way evaluate the grant requests and decide which programs should receive the money.

The Community Response Fund consists of two funding streams:

Venture Grants, which offer one-time funding for new, innovative and non-duplicative programs that address key needs identified in the Capital Region.

Community Impact Initiative Grants (CII), which provide funding for programs that address priority community needs. Programs receiving CII grants can reapply for the funding for up to two years. Those that receive CII grants for three years will either be admitted into United Way’s allocation process or will have their funding discontinued (UWCR’s Board of Directors will review the program to determine which course of action should be taken).

Funding Priorities for 2007-08:

Pre-applications addressing the following community needs listed below will be given top priority. Applications that are collaborative in nature will be given preference. Cultural competency and transportation are key issues that affect the delivery of human services. These issues should be addressed as they apply to each program for which funding is sought.

Mental Health Care for Children: The United Way of the Capital Region is interested in funding efforts to improve access to mental health services for children throughout the region. Funding may be used to:

  • Create, expand or enhance services in such a manner that will result in more children being served
  • Conduct and/or develop training programs to expand an organization’s capacity and the quality of care of services offered
  • Improve the coordination of services and build collaborations between mental health service providers with the intent to improve the delivery of services either systematically or to individual clients

Mental Health Care for Senior Citizens: The United Way of the Capital Region is interested in funding efforts to improve access to mental health services for senior citizens throughout the region. Funding may be used to:

  • Create, expand or enhance services in such a manner that will result in more senior citizens being served
  • Conduct and/or develop training programs to expand an organization’s capacity and the quality of care of services offered
  • Improve the coordination of services and build collaborations between mental health service providers with the intent to improve the delivery of services either systematically or to individual clients

Shelter and Transitional Housing: There is a need for programs that assist individuals and families who live in area shelters to successfully achieve and maintain housing. Proposals aimed at increasing capacity and providing case management and other support services necessary for successful transition to permanent housing will be considered.

Seniors in Transition: Included under this category are programs that address the physical and mental changes in seniors that make it more difficult for them to perform routine, daily activities. UWCR is interested in funding programs that will enhance the provision of services around homemakers and caregivers in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry Counties. Specifically, UWCR will consider collaborative ventures to support organizations in maximizing retention rates, raising professional standards and conducting training for service providers and professionals.

Youth In Transition: Funding is available for programs aimed at youth ages 12-21 that help “tweens” and teens successfully transition to independent adult living. Mentoring and prevention programs specifically targeted at keeping youth from abandoning their educational opportunities, falling victim to internet exploitation and predators, and engaging in crime, violence and other risky behaviors (substance abuse, binge drinking, gambling and premature/dangerous sexual activity) will be considered.

Increased Demand for Services for Individuals with Disabilities: Funding is available to increase, enhance and build the capacity of services to individuals with mental health, mental retardation and physical disabilities in an effort to ensure these individuals receive quality services in a timely manner

Cultural Competency: The diversity of today’s population demands staff that is able to provide services in a way that is sensitive to the cultural needs of the client. Funding is available for training and capacity building that will result in better service delivery to individuals of all cultures. (Note: This issue may be included in proposals for other health care related proposals).

Access to Health Care: Funding is available to address the affordability of care and medications, transportation to services, and other impediments to accessing health care. (Note: This issue may be included in proposals for other health care related proposals).

Applying for Community Impact Initiative and Venture Grants: UWCR generally accepts applications for Community Impact Initiative and Venture Grants in the spring. This is a two-step process: a pre-proposal application is requested; those accepted for futher consideration then must submit a complete application.

DEADLINES FOR GRANT PREAPPLICATIONS:

Community Impact Initiative Grant Pre-Applications: The 2007 pre-application deadline has passed. New applications will be posted in mid-April 2008.

Venture Grant Pre-Applications: The 2007 pre-application deadline has passed. New applications will be posted in mid-April 2008.

If you would like to receive a written notice when applications are being accepted in the future, please provide your mailing address to Tim Whelan at twhelan@uwcr.org or by calling 717.732.0700.

For information on the programs receiving Community Response Fund Grants for 2007-2008:



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