United Way of Massachusetts Bay Inc

Quick Stats

• EIN: 04-2382233
• Annual Giving: $38.6M (2023 grants distributed)
• Success Rate: 32.5% (for Strategic Partnership programme)
• Decision Time: Varies by programme; rolling basis for some programmes
• Grant Range: $15,000 - $100,000 annually
• Geographic Focus: 12 priority communities in Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley region
• Charity Navigator Rating: 4/4 Stars (100% score)

Contact Details

Address: 9 Channel Center Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02210

Phone: 617-624-8000

Website: https://unitedwaymassbay.org

Email: jbellows@uwmb.org

Media Contact: Brigid Boyd, Chief of Public Affairs - bboyd@supportunitedway.org, 339-236-1161

For Community Impact inquiries: cihelpdesk@supportunitedway.org

Overview

United Way of Massachusetts Bay (UWMB), founded as a 501(c)(3) public charity with EIN 04-2382233, is one of the region's most influential philanthropic organisations working to advance economic justice. With annual grant distributions of approximately $38.6 million (2023), the organisation has undergone a transformative strategic shift from traditional United Way giving to a community-centred, systems-change approach. In 2023, UWMB announced a groundbreaking $56 million multi-year commitment to 124 nonprofit partners through 2030, representing its first-ever open application process. The organisation earned Charity Navigator's highest 4-star rating with a perfect 100% score, reflecting its strong financial health and commitment to accountability. With President and CEO Marty Martinez beginning in March 2025, UWMB is positioned to lead regional efforts to eradicate poverty conditions and improve financial wellbeing across race and ethnicity in the Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley region.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

1. Strategic Partnership Grants (Multi-Year)

• Amount: $56 million total ($8 million annually) through 2030
• Recipients: 124 nonprofit organisations selected in 2023
• Structure: Multi-year, unrestricted grants for direct services or policy advocacy
• Individual Grants: Range from approximately $15,000 to $100,000 annually per organisation
• Application: First open application process in organisational history (completed for current cycle; 124 partners selected through 2030)
• Note: Current partnership commitments run through 2030; future application cycles to be announced

2. Community Action Grants

• Amount: $255,000 awarded in first round (April 2023) to 17 organisations
• Structure: One-year, unrestricted grants to grassroots organisations and local coalitions
• Application: Open to local coalitions and grassroots organisations
• Success Rate: 17 selected from 167 applications (10.2%)

3. SafetyNet Shelter Grant Programme

• Amount: $5 million programme funded by Massachusetts state government
• Purpose: Emergency overnight congregate shelter for extremely low-income families with children and pregnant people
• Application: Rolling basis
• Eligible Applicants: Nonprofits, faith-based groups, and volunteer organisations (solo or in partnership)
• Structure: Funding to establish new sites or expand existing emergency shelter sites

4. United Response Fund

• Purpose: Emergency financial assistance for individuals and families facing urgent challenges
• Focus: Essential needs including food, housing, and utilities
• Application: Direct application for individuals in need

5. Migrant Relief Fund

• Amount: $1.4 million raised (as of late 2023)
• Purpose: Essential needs of migrant families including temporary accommodations, food, clothing, and services
• Partnership: Collaborative effort with community organisations

Priority Areas

UWMB focuses on four avenues to economic prosperity within 12 priority communities (Boston neighbourhoods including Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Mattapan, and Roxbury, plus Cambridge, Chelsea, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, Quincy, Revere, Salem, and Taunton):

1. Economic Inclusion and Wealth Building: Programmes that advance financial wellbeing, asset building, and economic opportunity
2. Early Education and Out-of-School Time (EEOST): Quality early education and after-school programmes for children and youth
3. Education and Career Pathways for Youth and Young Adults: Programmes supporting educational advancement and career development
4. Safe and Stable Housing: Initiatives addressing housing stability, homelessness prevention, and affordable housing access

Geographic Focus: The 12 priority communities are home to two-thirds of individuals living below the poverty threshold in UWMB's service area.

Leadership Priority: Organisations must have BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ leadership driving their work and demonstrate commitment to community voice in programme design and implementation.

What They Don't Fund

Whilst UWMB does not publish a comprehensive list of funding exclusions, their focus is clearly on:

• Organisations working in their 12 priority communities
• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisations in the region
• Programmes aligned with their four priority areas
• Organisations demonstrating systems-change approaches rather than just symptom treatment

Organisations outside these parameters or those not centred in economic justice work would likely not be competitive for funding.

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Marty Martinez, President and CEO (began March 2025)

• Former CEO of Reach Out and Read
• Former Chief of Health and Human Services for the City of Boston
• Over 25 years of experience working on behalf of children and families in Greater Boston
• Personal connection to mission, having grown up in a low-income household led by a single mother

Martinez has stated: "As someone who grew up in a low-income household, led by a single mother, I'm someone who knows the systems and supports that created the opportunities for me to access the American dream that I know today. United Way's mission to create economic opportunity for all is more important than ever, and we will move with urgency to tackle the work ahead."

Brigid Boyd, Chief of Public Affairs

Karley Ausiello, Chief of Community Impact (during 2023 strategic shift)

• Emphasised the shift "from programmatic outcomes to shared commitment to advancing economic justice"

Board of Directors

Board Officers:

• Tammi Wortham, Chair - Senior Vice President, Human Resources, SunLife U.S.
• John Madondo, Vice Chair - CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Massachusetts
• Tara Parker, PhD, Secretary - Dean, College of Education and Human Development, University of Massachusetts Boston
• Bill Rosensweig, Treasurer - Partner, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.

Committee Chairs:

• Maria Alejandra De Cordova, Chair, Talent Committee - Vice President of Human Resources, Procter & Gamble
• Brenda Campbell-Warner, CPA, Chair, Audit Committee - Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP
• Magnolia Contreras, Chair, Development Committee - Vice President of Community Health, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
• Robert Fernandez, Chair, Admin & Finance - Director of ESG Research, Breckinridge Capital Advisors
• Ellen W. Griggs, Chair, Investment Committee - Independent Board Director
• Richard H. Moche, Chair, Governance and Nominating Committee
• Elaine Ward, Chair, Community Impact Committee - Programme Director & Associate Professor, Merrimack College
• Sujata Yadav, Chair, Public Affairs Committee - Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Eastern Bank

Additional Board Members (representing business, health, social service, media, government, and community sectors): Michael Brooks, Lorenna Buck PhD, Ava Callender Concepcion Esq., Liz Cheng, Jeffrey Fuhrer, Dan Gilbane, Patrick Gilligan, Dan Griggs, Pamela J. Herbst, Gregory Janey, Nancy Kaplan, Rita Lara, Chris McDonald, Jaimie McNeil, Kim Reinert, Corean Reynolds, Thomas E. Samoluk, Jon Swan, Charles Tillen, and JP Weldon.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Strategic Partnership Grants: The current cycle of multi-year Strategic Partnership grants (through 2030) has already been awarded to 124 organisations selected in 2023. This was UWMB's first-ever open application process. Future application cycles have not yet been announced. Organisations interested in future opportunities should monitor the UWMB website and sign up for updates.

Community Action Grants: Check the UWMB website at https://unitedwaymassbay.org/impact/cag for current application opportunities. The first round awarded $255,000 to 17 organisations in April 2023.

SafetyNet Shelter Grant Programme: Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Nonprofit organisations can apply on their own or in partnership with other volunteer groups, faith-based groups, or organisations. Applications can be submitted to expand an existing site or establish a new site. Contact UWMB for current application portal information.

United Response Fund: Individuals and families facing urgent financial challenges can apply directly through the UWMB website at https://unitedwaymassbay.org/united-response

Application Requirements (Based on 2023 Strategic Partnership Process)

For major grant opportunities, successful applicants typically must:

• Be an eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisation in the region
• Centre impact in at least one of UWMB's 12 focus communities
• Share UWMB's vision of economic justice
• Have BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ leadership driving their work
• Demonstrate community member involvement in decision-making
• Integrate community perspectives and experiences into programme design and implementation
• Focus on systems change rather than just treating symptoms
• Work in one or more of the four priority areas

The 2023 Strategic Partnership application was translated into seven languages for accessibility, demonstrating UWMB's commitment to reaching diverse communities.

Decision Timeline

Strategic Partnership Grants (2023 cycle):

• Applications received and reviewed
• 382 total applications submitted
• 220 advanced to community review
• 124 organisations ultimately selected
• Process included community members (24 compensated reviewers) forming recommendations

SafetyNet Shelter Grant Programme: Rolling review process with urgency given the emergency nature of shelter needs. First grant awarded to Catholic Charities Boston within weeks of programme launch in November 2023.

Community Action Grants: Applications reviewed with community participation in the selection process.

Specific decision timelines vary by programme and are not publicly documented for all grant streams.

Success Rates

Strategic Partnership Grants (2023): 32.5% success rate

• 382 applications received
• 220 advanced to community review (57.6%)
• 124 organisations selected for funding (32.5% of total applications)

Community Action Grants (2023): 10.2% success rate

• 167 total applications (99 grassroots, 68 collective action)
• 17 organisations selected for funding

These are highly competitive programmes given UWMB's significant shift in funding strategy and commitment to long-term partnerships.

Reapplication Policy

Given that the Strategic Partnership programme represents multi-year commitments through 2030, reapplication policies for major grant programmes have not been specified. Organisations not selected in the 2023 round should stay informed about future grant cycles through the UWMB website and communications.

For programmes on rolling or annual cycles (such as SafetyNet Shelter grants or future Community Action Grant rounds), organisations should contact UWMB directly for guidance on reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Based on UWMB's 2023 Strategic Partnership selection process and stated priorities, successful applications demonstrate:

1. Commitment to Systems Change Over Symptom Treatment

Former CEO Bob Giannino emphasised: "This new way forward is a recognition that philanthropic efforts must evolve to meet pressing regional issues." UWMB is explicitly moving away from programmes that only address symptoms to those that tackle root causes of economic inequality.

2. Authentic Community Voice and Leadership

• 35% of new Strategic Partners are led by Black or Latino leaders (up from 24% in the previous portfolio)
• Organisations must demonstrate how community perspectives are integrated into programme design and implementation
• UWMB enlisted 24 community members, compensated for their participation, to form recommendations on grant recipients
• BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ leadership driving the work is a core requirement

3. Deep Work in Focus Communities

Organisations must centre their impact in one or more of the 12 priority communities. The strategic shift reflects UWMB's recognition that these communities—home to two-thirds of the region's poverty-level residents—require concentrated, long-term investment.

4. Alignment with Economic Justice Vision

Chief of Community Impact Karley Ausiello described the shift "from programmatic outcomes to shared commitment to advancing economic justice." Applications must demonstrate how the organisation's work advances an economically just region where prosperity is shared across race and ethnicity.

5. Focus on One or More Priority Areas

Successful applications clearly align with at least one of the four avenues to prosperity:

• Economic Inclusion and Wealth Building
• Early Education and Out-of-School Time
• Education and Career Pathways for Youth and Young Adults
• Safe and Stable Housing

6. Demonstrated Impact and Organisational Capacity

Whilst UWMB shifted to unrestricted, multi-year funding (allowing partners to devote grants to whatever they see fit), organisations still must demonstrate they can effectively advance economic justice and create measurable change in their communities.

Examples of Funded Organisations

The 124 Strategic Partners represent a diverse array of organisations including:

• Direct service providers (e.g., Action for Boston Community Development, Family Services of the Merrimack Valley)
• Youth development organisations (e.g., Boys & Girls Clubs, BAGLY, YouthBuild Boston)
• Housing and community development corporations (e.g., Urban Edge Housing Corporation, Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción)
• Education and career pathway organisations (e.g., Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology, Roca, Inc.)
• Policy and advocacy organisations (e.g., Massachusetts Advocates for Children, Citizens' Housing and Planning Association)
• Immigrant and refugee services (e.g., Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition, La Colaborativa)

Complete list of 124 Strategic Partners available at: https://unitedwaymassbay.org/about/partners/strategic-partners

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Systems Change is Paramount: UWMB has explicitly shifted from funding programmes that treat symptoms to those that address root causes. Applications must articulate how your work creates systemic change, not just provides services.

2. Community Voice is Non-Negotiable: Demonstrate how community members—particularly those from BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities—are not just served but are driving decisions, shaping programmes, and leading your organisation.

3. Geographic Focus Matters: If you're not deeply rooted in one of the 12 priority communities (Boston neighbourhoods, Cambridge, Chelsea, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, Quincy, Revere, Salem, or Taunton), you're unlikely to be competitive for major grants.

4. Long-Term Partnership Model: UWMB's shift to multi-year, unrestricted funding signals they want partners, not projects. They're looking for organisations they can invest in over time, providing the flexibility to adapt and respond to community needs.

5. Monitor for Future Opportunities: The Strategic Partnership programme through 2030 is set, but UWMB continues to offer other grant programmes and will likely open new application cycles. Stay connected via their website and mailing list.

6. Diversity of Organisational Types: UWMB funds everything from grassroots coalitions to large established organisations, from direct service to policy advocacy. What matters is alignment with their vision and values, not organisational size.

7. Competitive but Worth It: With a 32.5% success rate for Strategic Partnerships and multi-year unrestricted funding, these grants are highly competitive but offer exceptional stability and flexibility for successful applicants.

References

1. United Way of Massachusetts Bay official website: https://unitedwaymassbay.org (accessed November 2024)

2. "United Way Unveils Major Shift in Giving Strategy as Local Non-Profits Awarded $56M in New Grant Funding," United Way of Massachusetts Bay press release, October 26, 2023, https://unitedwaymassbay.org/news/united-way-unveils-major-shift-in-giving-strategy-as-local-non-profits-awarded-56m-in-new-grant-funding

3. "Community Action Grants," United Way of Massachusetts Bay, https://unitedwaymassbay.org/impact/cag (accessed November 2024)

4. "Here are the 124 organizations receiving United Way of Mass. Bay funding totaling $56M," ABCD Action for Boston Community Development, November 1, 2023, https://bostonabcd.org/2023/11/01/here-are-the-124-organizations-receiving-united-way-of-mass-bay-funding-totaling-56m/

5. "Strategic Partners," United Way of Massachusetts Bay, https://unitedwaymassbay.org/about/partners/strategic-partners (accessed November 2024)

6. "Board of Directors," United Way of Massachusetts Bay, https://unitedwaymassbay.org/about/board-of-directors (accessed November 2024)

7. "United Way of Massachusetts Bay Announces Marty Martinez as President and CEO," United Way of Massachusetts Bay press release, January 30, 2025, https://unitedwaymassbay.org/news/united-way-of-massachusetts-bay-announces-marty-martinez-as-president-and-ceo

8. "Marty Martinez Starts Role as President and CEO at United Way of Massachusetts Bay," United Way of Massachusetts Bay press release, March 2025, https://unitedwaymassbay.org/news/marty-martinez-starts-role-as-president-and-ceo-at-united-way-of-massachusetts-bay

9. "United Way of Massachusetts Bay launches online application for SafetyNet Shelter Grant Program," Mass Nonprofit News, November 2023, https://www.massnonprofit.org/news/united-way-of-massachusetts-bay-launches-online-application-for-safetynet-shelter-grant-program/

10. United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, Charity Navigator profile, https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/042382233 (accessed November 2024)

11. United Way Of Massachusetts Bay Inc, ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/42382233 (accessed November 2024)

12. "State's Emergency Assistance Director and United Way of Massachusetts Bay Announce New Partnership to Support Safety Net Options for Homeless Families," Mass.gov press release, https://www.mass.gov/news/states-emergency-assistance-director-and-united-way-of-massachusetts-bay-announce-new-partnership-to-support-safety-net-options-for-homeless-families (accessed November 2024)

13. "About Us," United Way of Massachusetts Bay, https://unitedwaymassbay.org/about (accessed November 2024)

14. "Financial," United Way of Massachusetts Bay, https://unitedwaymassbay.org/about/financial (accessed November 2024)