Announces $715,500 in Community Funding to 28 Local Organizations in 2025
Vermont Business Magazine United Way of Northwest Vermont (UWNWVT) recently reaffirmed its commitment to trust-based funding values and announced that it will continue providing local organizations with flexible, multi-year funding and support as Vermont nonprofits navigate an uncertain federal landscape.
In 2025, a portfolio of 28 organizations will receive $715,500 from United Way in community funding for year two of a three-year grant cycle. This portfolio of organizations is meeting an array of interconnected needs in our community.
“Our United Way has been leaning into trust-based philanthropy for several years now. We know organizations serving our community can make a bigger impact when they have sustainable, flexible funding and trusted partners,” said UWNWVT Director of Partner and Volunteer Engagement Megan Bridges.
United Way of Northwest Vermont was among the first of 135+ grantmaking organizations nationwide to the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project’s Meet the Moment Commitment: A Call to Action for Philanthropy in 2025 (and Beyond).
The commitment declares: “While private philanthropy cannot possibly fill all the federal funding gaps, it can play a key role in supporting the stability, resilience, and reimagination of the social sector. We invite funders to commit to courageous, trust-based action in support of our nonprofit partners — without whom our work would not be possible.”
UWNWVT was an early adopter of trust-based philanthropy grantmaking practices — including giving multiyear unrestricted funding, streamlining paperwork, being transparent and responsive, soliciting and acting on feedback, and offering support beyond the check.
“United Way’s Community Partner Funding depends on community donations. While the size of our grants may not be the largest our partners receive, the fact that our funding is multi-year and unrestricted provides our partners with the flexibility and support they need to tackle the complexity and unpredictability of their work,” Bridges said.
United Way’s Community Partner Funding volunteers meet with the organizations we fund to listen, learn, and build relationships. The volunteers hear about successes, challenges, and what partners feel is needed to strengthen the nonprofit sector. This year, partners shared over and over how deeply impactful United Way funding is to fill in gaps where other more restrictive funding does not.
Milton Family Community Center Executive Director Nicole Sener shared that unrestricted funding from United Way has allowed the Parent Child Center to pilot and expand programs they would not otherwise be able to offer. The nonprofit, which serves 550 households and 2,000 individuals annually, provides wrap-around support to strengthen families including childcare, parenting education, food access, and running Milton’s only afterschool program.
“Unrestricted funding from United Way allows us to be as adaptable and flexible as we need to be with what we offer as we respond to the rapidly changing needs of community members,” Sener said.
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.
The partner funding will support organizations that address our community’s highest priorities, including meeting basic needs (housing, food, transportation), supporting families, promoting mental health, reducing substance misuse and building financial security.
See below for a full list of organizations receiving United Way Community Partner Funding in 2025.
About United Way of Northwest Vermont
United Way of Northwest Vermont mobilizes our community to action so all can thrive. A local independent nonprofit proudly serving Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties, we bring local people and resources together to improve lives today and help build a more just tomorrow. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health and financial security, we’re working towards a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential. To learn more, visit www.unitedwaynwvt.org.
United Way of Northwest Vermont Funded Partners
2025-2026
AALV, Inc.
Age Well
ANEW Place
Boys & Girls Club of Burlington
Burlington Housing Authority
Champlain Community Services
Champlain Islanders Developing Essential Resources (C.I.D.E.R.)
Champlain Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO)
COTS
Connecting Cultures, VSP
Grand Isle Mentoring
Greater Burlington YMCA
HomeShare Vermont
Howard Center
The Janet S. Munt Family Room
King Street Center
Lund
Martha's Community Kitchen
Milton Family Community Center
Northwestern Counseling & Support Services (NCSS)
Pathways Vermont
Prevent Child Abuse VT (PCAVT)
Spectrum Youth and Family Services
STEPS to End Domestic Violence
Turning Point Center of Chittenden County
Turning Point of Franklin County
VNA & Hospice of Southwest Region, funds to Franklin County
UVM Health Network Home Health & Hospice
4.30.2025. [South Burlington, VT] — United Way of Northwest Vermont
To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
