United Way of Coastal Fairfield County Announces Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Challenge Grants

The United Way of Coastal Fairfield County, which serves greater Stratford, has announced a Community Challenge Grant that will build the capacity of basic needs providers in its 12-town region.  

The Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund was started three years ago through a partnership with GE in response to a weak economic recovery and high unemployment.   As challenging conditions continue, too many individuals remain unemployed or under-employed, have to choose between food, rent and other basic needs, and non-profits are struggling to keep up with the increased demand for services.  

“The summer months are a particularly challenging time for both community organizations and the clients they serve,” said Sandy Bria, GE Capital Americas and Neighbors Helping Neighbors Grant Committee member.

“Children are home from school and programs like free and reduced lunch programs are not always available. It becomes even more critical to keep food pantries full and replenish emergency assistance funds that help bridge emergency needs in the areas of rent, utility assistance, security deposit and mortgage foreclosure prevention.” 

This year, United Way has issued a challenge to organizations that have received Neighbors Helping Neighbors funds in previous years.  You can find a list of participating organizations on our website.  

The goal of this year’s GE / United Way Community Challenge grant is to maximize the amount of funds that can be granted to organizations and engage them in a joint effort to raise additional dollars.  The anticipated $100,000 increase to the pool of funds will leverage the $550,000 grant fund provided by the GE Foundation, helping stabilize individuals and families in need. 

“We are fortunate to have the opportunity to apply for a Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Challenge Grant,” said William J. Hass, Ph.D. President & CEO, FSW Inc. 

“We are embracing the challenge to raise additional funds toward the $100,000 goal, and are confident our donors will see the value of having their contribution grow through our participation in this funding opportunity.” 

The Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Challenge Grant process is underway and those organizations applying for funds will conduct fundraising efforts through July 20.  A review of applications will release a first round of funding to grant awardees by the end of June.  

The second round of awards which will include the additional challenge funds will be distributed to grant awardees by early August.   “Our Neighbors Helping Neighbors partners are excited about this opportunity and have jumped into their fundraising efforts,” said Cathy DeCesare, EVP, Strategic Initiatives for United Way.  “We think this approach will help raise awareness of the ongoing need and draw new contributions to help these very worthy organizations.   We encourage everyone to “meet the challenge” and help make this Community Challenge Grant a success.”

Check for the list of participating organizations by Clicking Here. 

About United Way of Coastal Fairfield County

United Way of Coastal Fairfield County’s mission is:  “Together, we mobilize our communities to improve people’s lives”. Our vision is to advance the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. Working with many partners, United Way is focused on the building blocks that we need for a good life: a quality education that leads to a stable job, income that can support a family through retirement, and good health.  United Way of Coastal Fairfield County serves the towns of Fairfield, Bridgeport, Stratford, Westport, Trumbull, Easton, Monroe, Weston, Norwalk, Wilton, New Canaan and Darien.   

About the GE Foundation

The GE Foundation, the philanthropic organization of the General Electric Company, works to solve some of the world’s most difficult problems. In coordination with its partners, it supports U.S. and international education, developing health globally, the environment, public policy, human rights and disaster relief. In addition, the GE Foundation supports GE employee and retiree giving and involvement in GE communities around the world. In 2010, the entire GE family — including businesses, employees, retirees and the GE Foundation — contributed more than $250 million in cash, products, and services to charitable organizations around the world. For more information, visit www.gefoundation.com.