United Way of North Central Pennsylvania (UWNCPA) is thrilled to announce the launch of its 2025–2026 Innovation Grant, a bold investment of $100,000 to spark transformative, community-centered solutions in Lycoming, Sullivan, and Tioga Counties. “It’s incredibly exciting to provide this kind of opportunity—our first open grant in years,” said Amber Newell, Director of Community Impact for the United Way of North Central Pennsylvania. “We’re looking to shine a spotlight on bold, community-rooted ideas that help meet real needs across Lycoming, Sullivan, and Tioga Counties. This is a chance for nonprofits to dream big and help us reach neighbors we haven’t yet served.”

This one-time grant opportunity invites nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status to submit groundbreaking ideas that tackle unmet needs and fill service gaps in the areas of healthy community, youth opportunity, financial security, and community resiliency, with a special focus on the ALICE population (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed). “We are beyond excited to offer this opportunity to nonprofits doing boots-on-the-ground work in our communities,” said Carolyn Hawk, UWNCPA Board Vice Chair and Chair of the Community Impact Committee. “This is about more than funding, it’s about fueling innovation. We want to empower organizations to think boldly, act creatively, and pioneer fresh approaches to serve our neighbors better than ever before.”

Grants of up to $25,000 per agency will be awarded to selected organizations whose ideas demonstrate measurable impact, alignment with UWNCPA’s priorities, and an innovative edge that sets them apart from existing programs. “This Innovation Grant marks a turning point,” said Newell. “It’s not only our first open funding opportunity in a long time, but also a call to action. We’re inviting local nonprofits to bring us their most creative ideas, and we’re ready to invest in making them happen. We’re especially excited about expanding our impact into new corners of our region.”

According to a recent press release, the United Way of North Central Pennsylvania is a charitable nonprofit organization that has served the region for over 103 years. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, the United Way of North Central Pennsylvania is mobilizing communities to action so all can thrive in Lycoming, Sullivan, and Tioga counties. True to their founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our communities, they are there. The UWNCPA brings a comprehensive approach to every challenge, actively listening and responding to local needs through volunteer and community engagement, grant funding opportunities, and advocacy efforts. “This is a rare chance to reimagine how we care for one another,” Hawk added. “Let’s not just do more, let’s do better. Together.”

For full grant guidelines and more information, contact Amber Newell, Director of Community Impact, at grants@uwncpa.org. Let’s innovate for impact, because ‘united is the way’ our communities thrive.

“We know our communities are full of passionate people with powerful ideas. This is the first time in years we’ve had the opportunity to open the door this wide, and I can’t wait to see what kind of innovative solutions come forward to help our neighbors in new and meaningful ways,” said Newell.

Key Details for Applicants:
• Deadline to Submit RFPs: Monday, July 28, 2025, by Noon
• RFP Format: 1–2 page letter outlining your innovative idea
• Email Submissions to: grants@uwncpa.org
• Eligibility: Must serve community members living in Lycoming, Sullivan, or Tioga County; must be a registered 501(c)(3); must align with UWNCPA’s impact areas or serve the ALICE population
• Full Applications (by invite only): Open August 15, due September 19 at Noon
• Award Announcements: Recipients will be honored at UWNCPA’s Annual Meeting on October 14, 2025

Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit http://www.uwp.org/alice/about-alice and http://www.unitedforalice.org to understand local needs and illustrate how their programs can make a meaningful difference. For more information, visit http://uwncpa.org/ or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.