United Way of Southeastern Connecticut (UWSECT) announced a total of $1.68 million in grants to be distributed to 37 partner programs for the upcoming fiscal year 2027. The announcement was made at a Partner Program Check Presentation on Thursday, June 25.
This year’s allocations process marked the first time in decades that applications were open to new organizations. As a result, 14 programs awarded grants on Thursday are new to United Way funding.
Programs awarded are dedicated to serving Southeastern Connecticut’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population, making possible UWSECT’s work in the Financial Security, Healthy Community and Youth Opportunity impact areas.
To review programs for funding, a team of 60 community volunteers conducted a review process consisting of written applications, site visits, financial review, and meetings with organization directors.
“This is what United Way is about — we’re allocating these dollars to make sure we have a safety net intact for our community,” said Dina Sears-Graves, President and CEO of UWSECT. Sears-Graves thanked the 60 allocations volunteers who made the funding recommendations and the UWSECT Board of Directors for approving them.
“Our funding is meant to be much more than a one-time gift,” said Scott Umbel, Vice President of Community Impact, highlighting the importance of lasting community and organizational partnerships. “It’s your story that we’re sharing, and we can’t do that without you.”
Michele Deane, Director of Philanthropy at Riverfront Children’s Center, shared the importance of the partnership between UWSECT and Riverfront’s early childhood education and childcare for ALICE families partner programs.
“It’s an incredible source of community support,” said Deane. “The 36 other partner programs are working in concert to make Southeastern Connecticut a better place to live.”
Joanna Marrero, Program Manager of Inclusion Services at UCP of Eastern Connecticut, which partners with UWSECT in its economic empowerment program, added that because of the funding, “we have continued stability and are able to gain resources through United Way and other partner organizations.”
Thank you to our donors, volunteers, and community who make it possible to support these programs. Through this system of shared support, UWSECT is able to place resources into the community and ensure the vital network of health and human services in New London County remains strong.
Partner Organization Funding
Listed below are the partner organizations that were awarded funding and the dollar amount each organization received. Some organizations received funding for more than one program.
- Alliance for Living: $42,547.12
- Always Home: $44,188.00
- Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Connecticut: $22,061.50
- Catholic Charities: $51,140.18
- Child and Family Agency: $167,660.71
- Connecticut Legal Services: $32,300.00
- Covenant Shelter Capital Region and Eastern Connecticut: $58,813.00
- Easterseals: $43,000.00
- Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut: $52,313.00
- H.O.P.E. Inc.: $40,313.00
- Madonna Place: $88,905.46
- Martin House: $84,682.33
- New London Homeless Hospitality Center: $48,176.00
- Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center: $24,114.29
- Riverfront Children's Center: $80,702.94
- S.T.E.P.S. Inc.: $35,912.00
- Safe Futures: $114,785.93
- Thames River Community Services: $54,093.70
- The Arc Eastern Connecticut: $32,214.28
- The Light House: $30,000.04
- The Salvation Army of New London: $56,676.98
- TVCCA: $89,982.93
- UCFS: $130,658.15
- UCP of Eastern Connecticut: $39,369.77
- Visiting Nurse Association of Southeastern Connecticut: $42,000.00