United Way is building out a dynamic line of support that is nimble and responsive to immediate and emerging community needs. One of these lines of support is our Synergy Fund.
PURPOSE
Human Service organizations are stronger together. Synergy offers those resources necessary for such organizations to explore collaborations, mergers, and affiliations in a fully confidential and respectful environment.
HOW IT WILL HELP
We understand that change can be difficult, and that conversations around mergers and affiliations can be complicated and, quite often, emotional. We also know that creating efficiencies in services is more important than ever. To that end, the United Way’s Synergy Fund offers the technical assistance and funds necessary for organizations to engage in the confidential and sensitive exploration of potential collaborations, as well as to support implementation of completed projects.
WHY IT IS IMPORTANT
United Way’s Synergy Fund was designed to support nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Monroe, Wayne, Wyoming, Ontario, Livingston, Genesee, and Orleans Counties with organizational transitions, restructuring and collaborations in order to increase operational efficiency and improve program services for their clients and our community. Our Synergy Fund provides funded technical assistance support as well as financial resources for one-time, out-of-pocket costs incurred after the implementation of an interagency collaboration, affiliation and/or merger. The actual level of support from the Synergy Fund will vary based on need.
HOW IT WORKS
Requests for the Synergy Fund are accepted on a rolling basis and can be made by the designated lead organization through direct inquiry or referral. United Way will initially respond to an inquiry by phone to the respective executive directors and/or board chairpersons of each interested organization, after which an invitation to submit a proposal for consideration may be extended. Each application will be reviewed for completeness, risks, benefits, success metrics and long-term impact. Where necessary, confidentiality agreements and due diligence follow-up through in-person meetings, site visits and/or phone calls will be conducted during the application review process. Recommendations for post-implementation grant awards will be submitted to the United Way Community Impact Cabinet for consideration and decision.
TIMING
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.