United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes has awarded more than $1.7 million to 17 nonprofit organizations across the region through its newly created Community Responsiveness Fund, aimed at helping agencies navigate the effects of public funding cuts and policy changes.
The fund was launched in March as nonprofit health and human services organizations faced increasing demand for services while also dealing with added administrative challenges tied to shifting government funding and regulations.
According to United Way, the one-time grants are intended to help agencies maintain operations, adapt to changing conditions, and continue providing critical services to residents throughout the six-county region.
“Nonprofits across our six-county region are facing unprecedented pressure,” said Robert De Leon, vice president of impact at United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes. “We are proud to have awarded more than $1.7 million to 17 nonprofit agencies to help them maintain, adapt, and continue delivering critical services to our community.”
Interest in the program far exceeded available funding. United Way received 71 applications seeking a combined $8.6 million in support — nearly five times the amount available through the fund. Applications were evaluated using criteria that included demonstrated need, organizational impact, the ability to serve those most affected by funding disruptions, and the proposed use of grant dollars.
Individual awards ranged from $50,000 to $200,000 and will support services including food access, legal assistance, health care, youth and homeless youth programs, and other basic needs services.
“We know that the $1.7 million awarded cannot match the $8.6 million in need that was expressed, and this fund alone won’t solve everything,” De Leon said. “But it represents an important step toward stabilizing essential services during a period of significant disruption.”
Among the organizations receiving grants are Geneva 2030, a partnership with Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and Wayne County Action Program, along with agencies serving Rochester, Steuben County, Batavia, and other communities throughout the region.
The Community Responsiveness Fund supplements United Way’s existing grant programs and funding initiatives, which are supported through donations and partnerships with community organizations and businesses.
2026 Community Responsiveness Fund Grant Recipients
- Catholic Charities Family & Community Services
- Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston
- Charles Settlement House, Inc.
- Children’s Institute, Inc.
- Community Place of Greater Rochester
- Empire Justice Center
- Geneva 2030 — Hobart and William Smith Colleges
- Keeping Our Promise Inc.
- Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc.
- Refugees Helping Refugees
- Rochester Hope Inc.
- The Center for Youth
- The Salvation Army – Batavia Corps
- Trillium Health, Inc.
- UR Medicine Home Care Certified Services
- Wayne County Action Program
- Worker Justice Center of New York
United Way officials said they remain committed to identifying additional resources and funding opportunities to support nonprofit organizations serving communities throughout the Finger Lakes and Greater Rochester region.
