United Way of the Capital Region

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1+ million in grants to nonprofits
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Varies by funding cycle
• Grant Range: Varies by program (COVID-19 grants ranged from $5,000-$50,000)
• Geographic Focus: Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry Counties, Pennsylvania

Contact Details

Website: www.uwcr.org
Phone: (717) 732-0700
Email: tfatzinger@uwcr.org (CEO)
Address: 2235 Millennium Way, Enola, PA 17025
Application Portal: e-CImpact (agency.e-cimpact.com)

Overview

United Way of the Capital Region (established with EIN 23-1352095) is a major grant-making organization serving Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry Counties in Pennsylvania. With total revenue of $11.9 million in fiscal year 2023, the organization dedicates more than $1 million annually specifically to basic needs services. The organization operates through a Community Impact Fund distribution model, supporting over 70 programs and services across the region. They maintain a four-star rating from Charity Navigator and have demonstrated significant community impact, raising $8.9 million in their 2023 campaign, exceeding their goal of $8.7 million.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Basic Needs Grants: Focus on food, housing, utilities, childcare, and emergency services
• Community Impact Grants: Supporting programs across four strategic areas
• Emergency Response Grants: As demonstrated during COVID-19 with $316,329 distributed to 21 nonprofits

Priority Areas

• Financial Security: Programs that promote economic stability
• Healthy Community: Health and wellness initiatives
• Youth Opportunity: Educational and developmental programs for young people
• Community Resiliency: Basic needs services including food insecurity, domestic violence, emergency shelter, referrals to human services, and case management

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly detailed, the organization focuses on health and human services nonprofits within their three-county service area.

Governance and Leadership

President & CEO: Timothy Fatzinger
Phone: 717.724.4046
Email: tfatzinger@uwcr.org

The organization engages Community Investment Review Teams composed of community volunteers who participate in funding decisions through a formal evaluation process in collaboration with the UWCR Impact Cabinet and Board of Directors.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

United Way of the Capital Region uses the e-CImpact online grant management system for all funding applications. Agencies submit funding proposals through this portal at agency.e-cimpact.com. The system manages the entire resource investment process, including application submission, reporting, and accountability documentation.

Decision Timeline

Funding decisions are made through a formal evaluation process involving Community Investment Review Teams, with volunteers having electronic access to agency and program information. Specific timeline details vary by funding cycle and are available through the e-CImpact portal.

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly available. However, the organization reports funding over 70 programs and services, with documented examples including 21 organizations funded during COVID-19 response efforts.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations that are not funded may reapply in subsequent funding cycles. Specific waiting periods or restrictions should be confirmed through the e-CImpact system or by contacting the organization directly.

Application Success Factors

Based on United Way of the Capital Region's funding patterns and priorities:

• Demonstrate clear alignment with one of the four strategic focus areas
• Provide measurable outcomes that address root causes of community problems
• Show collaboration with other community partners and services
• Document community need specific to Cumberland, Dauphin, or Perry Counties
• Utilize the e-CImpact system effectively with complete documentation
• Engage with volunteer reviewers who evaluate applications based on community impact potential

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• United Way of the Capital Region funds established 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry Counties
• Applications must be submitted through the e-CImpact online portal - no paper applications accepted
• The organization prioritizes programs addressing root causes rather than symptoms
• Community volunteers play a crucial role in funding decisions, making community engagement important
• With over $1 million distributed annually, competition is significant but the organization funds a diverse portfolio of over 70 programs
• Strong emphasis on basic needs services provides opportunities for emergency and essential service providers
• Consider partnering with existing funded agencies as the organization values collaborative approaches

References

• United Way of the Capital Region official website (www.uwcr.org) - Accessed March 2024
• Cause IQ Organization Profile for United Way of the Capital Region, EIN 231352095 - Accessed March 2024
• United Way of the Capital Region "For Nonprofits" page (www.uwcr.org/how-we-help/for-nonprofits/) - Accessed March 2024
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - United Way Of The Capital Region Form 990 filings - Accessed March 2024
• Charity Navigator Rating for United Way of the Capital Region (EIN 231352095) - Accessed March 2024
• United Way Worldwide directory listing for United Way of the Capital Region - Accessed March 2024