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Creating Synergy for a Stronger Future Grant

Overview of Grant

Creating Synergy for a Stronger Future Grant provides capacity-building support for nonprofits’ organizational health, vitality, and sustainability. In the ever-evolving world, nonprofits need support to manage their culture and climate; employee transitions and succession planning; and collaborations that increase operational efficiency and/or improve program services. This grant aims to support nonprofits to grow stronger and live out their missions for their respective communities.

Application opens July 1

Application Guide - coming soon

Eligibility Criteria

All applications will be evaluated on the following components during the evaluation period. Evaluations may or may not include short presentations or engagement for more information regarding the application.

  • Nonprofits within United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes’ six-county region: Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, and Wyoming counties.

  • A nonprofit that has had exemption from Federal Income Tax under Section 501(c)3 of the IRS Code since January 1, 2024.

  • Nonprofits are willing to sign and comply with the requirements for funding outlined in the United Way Partnership Agreement.

Evaluation Criteria

  • Clarity and completeness of the grant application: Each question is answered completely and in accordance with instructions; mandatory attachments are included. Applications not fully completed in accordance with instruction will not be reviewed.

  • Content of the application aligns with grant priorities.

  • Needs assessment: Clearly articulates the capacity challenges faced by the organization that the project addresses; provides data or evidence supporting the need.

  • Feasibility of the proposed effort: Provides a detailed plan of action, clear roles/responsibilities, and a reasonable timeline for implementation.

  • Results: Clearly defines expected benefits and describes a solid plan for measuring success using metrics.

  • Budget: Budget aligns with project activities; costs are reasonable and necessary for implementation. Other funding sources are identified if needed.

Grant Periods

The grant will be available starting July 1 until August 12.

Decisions will be made in late fall.

Once decisions are finalized and all agreements are signed, grant funds will be deployed within 60 business days.

The Creating Synergy Grant will be available twice a year. The next time the Creating Synergy grant period is projected to be open is 2026. 

General Inquiries

For general inquiries for staff of the Office of Community Impact, please contact us via ciadmin@uwrochester.org. We will respond to your inquiry within 48 hours (about 2 days) during work weekdays.