United Way of Northwest Vermont provides $715,500 to 28 local organizations

Vermont Business Magazine United Way of Northwest Vermont is distributing $715,500 in 2026 to 28 local organizations. Funding will address community priorities including housing and food security, transportation, supporting families, mental health, substance misuse prevention and recovery, and financial security.

“Community giving fuels this work. Every dollar supports trusted local nonprofits improving lives across Northwest Vermont. Last year alone, United Way programs and partners helped 160,000 Vermonters meet immediate needs and build stronger communities,” said United Way Chief Development Officer Hannah Burnett.

“United Way's funded partners face many common challenges: shifting funding landscapes and uncertainty, client needs that have grown more complex, and workforce stress, to name a few. Yet they continue to meet the moment with creativity and heart,” said United Way Director of Partner & Volunteer Engagement Megan Bridges.

These grants will help United Way’s funded partners respond to a wide variety of needs across our region. Some of the services this funding will support include:

• Emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness and people fleeing domestic violence.
• Housing stability supports, including housing-retention services and alternative housing options for older adults, people with disabilities, and people with limited financial means.
• Financial stability and basic-needs supports, including food security.
• Supports for parents and families, including home visiting, early childhood services, and parenting education.
• Accessible, appropriate mental health services and resources for people of all ages.
• Substance misuse prevention, treatment, and recovery supports.
• A wide range of services for community members including older adults, people with intellectual disabilities and autism, immigrants and refugees, and people living with chronic conditions.

United Way’s Community Partner Funding is guided by local volunteers and informed by partner needs. Partner funding recommendations are provided by our Partner Funding Team, a citizen committee of volunteers who review funding applications and meet with funded partners every year to listen, learn, and build relationships. The volunteers hear about successes, challenges, and what partners say is needed to strengthen the nonprofit sector.

This year, partners shared how deeply impactful United Way funding is in filling gaps where other, more restrictive funding cannot.

“United Way is one of the rare funders who gives us flexibility around their support, allowing us to address staffing, tech needs, and to fill service gaps when we see them — which is critical,” said HomeShare Vermont Executive Director Connor Timmons.

Community Partner grants represent only one piece of United Way’s community funding. Last year, United Way invested $2.7 million into our community thanks to the support of generous donors and volunteers.

A full list of 2026-2027 United Way Funded Partners is included below.

About United Way of Northwest Vermont 
United Way of Northwest Vermont mobilizes people and resources so all can thrive. As a local, independent nonprofit proudly serving Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties, we partner with community members, donors, volunteers, and local organizations to strengthen local resilience and advance health and financial security. Together, we’re building a more just tomorrow—where every person in every community can reach their full potential. Learn more at www.unitedwaynwvt.org.

5.20.2026. South Burlington, VT — United Way of Northwest Vermont 

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