United Way of Tri-County Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $188,003 (2023)
• Total Revenue: $11.4 million (FY 2024)
• Grant Range: Not publicly specified (7 awards made in 2023)
• Decision Time: Annual funding cycle with decisions following March-April presentations
• Geographic Focus: 34 communities across Norfolk, Middlesex, and Worcester Counties, Massachusetts

Contact Details

Phone: 888-811-3291

Address: 46 Park Street, Framingham, MA 01702

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Website: www.uwotc.org

Overview

United Way of Tri-County (UWTC) was incorporated in 1997 through the merger of five Massachusetts United Way organizations. With total revenues of $11.4 million in FY 2024, UWTC operates a unique hybrid model, both running significant direct services and providing grants to certified partner agencies. The organization invested over $7 million in programs and services annually, serving 34 communities in the MetroWest Massachusetts area. In 2023, UWTC distributed $188,003 in grants across 7 awards to partner organizations. The organization has earned a 4/4 Star rating on Charity Navigator. In May 2024, UWTC was one of 150 local nonprofits selected to share in $30 million through Cummings Foundation's major grants program, receiving $300,000 over 10 years to fund their mobile food pantry.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

UWTC provides funds to community organizations through their Certified Partner Agency model in two main categories:

• Keeping Kids On Track: Programs focused on child literacy, education, after-school programs, and affordable day care
• Community Safety Net: Programs providing job training, transportation for the elderly, food and shelter, and emergency assistance

Priority Areas

• Health: Mental health services, health programs, suicide prevention
• Education: Child literacy, after-school programs, educational support
• Financial Stability: Job training, employment programs
• Basic Human Needs: Food security, emergency shelter, transportation for elderly, emergency assistance

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations outside Norfolk, Middlesex, and Worcester Counties
• Programs that don't align with their four focus areas
• Individual assistance (individuals are referred to 2-1-1 for service connections)
• Programs outside their two main categories

Governance and Leadership

Paul Mina, President & Chief Executive Officer - Has noted that 40% of the clients served are the working poor, highlighting the organization's focus on addressing food insecurity among families who are employed but still struggling financially.

Board Leadership: Nancy S. Niemi, Ph.D., President (Framingham State University)

The Community Investment Committee comprises local volunteers who represent the diversity of the community and possess expertise in areas of mental health care, senior care, child care, education, and the identified program priorities.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

United Way of Tri-County operates through a Certified Partner Agency model rather than an open competitive grant application process. Organizations interested in becoming a certified partner agency should contact UWTC directly at 888-811-3291 to inquire about the certification and funding process.

Once certified:

1. Partner agencies complete priority area screening applications
2. If approved, complete full Request for Funding Proposal
3. Present programs before Community Investment Committee in March-April
4. Committee makes funding recommendations to Board of Directors

Decision Timeline

• March-April: Partner agency presentations
• Annual funding cycle
• Ongoing relationships emphasized over one-time grants

Success Rates

In 2023, UWTC made 7 grant awards totaling $188,003. The relatively small number reflects the Certified Partner Agency model favoring established relationships.

Reapplication Policy

Certified Partner Agencies participate in annual funding cycles, submitting requests each year for program funding.

Application Success Factors

• Build relationships early: Contact UWTC to initiate conversation about becoming a certified partner
• Demonstrate community connection: Local volunteers make funding decisions, so show deep understanding of local needs
• Align with focus areas: Programs must fit "Keeping Kids On Track" or "Community Safety Net" categories
• Show financial accountability: Provide board information, audit results, and evidence of sound management
• Current partners include: Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest, American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts, Jewish Family Service of Metrowest, The Salvation Army/Framingham Corps

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Relationship-driven model: UWTC uses a Certified Partner Agency model, not open applications—contact them early
• Hybrid funder: UWTC both makes grants and operates direct services, so understand where your program fits
• Community volunteers decide: Local volunteers from 34 communities make funding decisions annually
• Focus on working poor: Programs for employed but struggling families align well with priorities
• Geographic specificity: Must serve communities within Norfolk, Middlesex, and Worcester Counties
• Annual presentations required: Be prepared for March-April presentations to Community Investment Committee

References

• United Way of Tri-County official website: www.uwotc.org (Accessed February 2026)
• Charity Navigator Rating: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/042104231 (Accessed February 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/42104231 (Accessed February 2026)
• Cause IQ: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/united-way-of-tri-county,042104231/ (Accessed February 2026)
• UWTC Board and Staff pages (Accessed February 2026)
• "UWTC awarded $300,000 Cummings Grant for Mobile Food Pantry" (Accessed February 2026)