United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,690,308 (2024)
• Number of Awards: 51 grants (2024) / 40 strategic partners (2025)
• Average Grant Size: ~$72,000
• Geographic Focus: 52 communities in central and northeastern Connecticut (860 region)
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• EIN: 06-0646653
• Charity Navigator Rating: 4/4 Stars

Contact Details

Address: One State Street, Suite 1710, Hartford, CT 06103

Phone: (860) 493-6800

Email: info@unitedwayinc.org

Website: https://unitedwayinc.org

Overview

Founded in 1924, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut is celebrating its centennial year of service to the region. With total assets exceeding $21 million and annual revenue of approximately $12.6 million, the organization serves as a convening force bringing together partners from private, public, municipal, and nonprofit sectors. The organization supports more than 50 partner organizations and has impacted over 260,000 residents through strategic investments totaling $6.4 million annually.

In 2024, the organization completed a transformative strategic planning process that included nearly 30 one-on-one interviews and more than 40 community conversations with nearly 400 people. This resulted in the launch of Onward860: United to End Poverty, a bold initiative that shifts from traditional grant-making to a collaborative, collective impact model. President and CEO Eric Harrison, who joined in February 2022, was recognized as a 2024 Hartford Business Journal C-Suite Award Honoree for his leadership. The organization recently entered into a strategic alliance with United Way of West Central Connecticut to enhance impact and sustainability across an expanded 56-community region.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Strategic Partnership Funding (Primary Program)

• Investment: $2.76 million deployed in 2025 to 40 strategic partners
• Approach: Collaborative cross-sector working groups addressing systemic barriers
• Focus: Long-term partnerships tied to measurable community change
• Application: Invitation-based partnership model, not traditional open application

Community Impact Grants

• Range: Varies by partner and program scope (average ~$72,000)
• Partners Designated: Organizations marked with "^" on partner list receive Community Impact grant funds
• Method: Strategic alignment with Onward860 priorities

Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)

• Administrator: United Way administers federal EFSP funds for Hartford County
• Recent Award: Nearly $400,000 distributed to 28 nonprofits and municipalities (2024)
• Focus: Food, emergency shelters, and homeless prevention services

Rapid Response Fund for Homelessness and Housing

• Investment: $100,000 annually (for two consecutive years)
• Reach: Assists approximately 150 families
• Type: Direct cash assistance for past-due bills, food, transportation
• Philosophy: Empowers individuals to use funds as needed for stabilization

Neighbors in Need Fund

• Total Awarded: $413,000+ during pandemic response
• Impact: Helped more than 7,000 individuals
• Partnership: Collaborative effort with Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut and United Way of Southeastern Connecticut

Priority Areas

United Way's Onward860 strategy focuses on four key areas to end poverty:

1. Child Literacy - Ensuring children graduate high school, college, and career ready
2. Wages - Helping families become more financially secure
3. Housing - Addressing affordable housing and homelessness
4. Life Expectancy - Reducing health disparities and improving health outcomes

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly detailed on their website. The organization focuses on strategic partnerships aligned with their Onward860 framework rather than one-time project grants.

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

• Eric Harrison - President and CEO (joined February 2022, previously CEO of United Way of Ventura County, California; recognized as 2024 Hartford Business Journal C-Suite Award Honoree; serves as Chair of Connecticut United Ways Chief Professional Officer's Council)
• Jennifer Bengtson - Chief Financial Officer
• Brandon Emerson - Chief Philanthropy Officer
• Maura Cook - Senior Vice President of Marketing and Development
• Jennifer Gifford - Senior Vice President of Impact and Engagement

Board of Directors

• Irene Bassock (Chair) - Cohen & Buckmann PC
• Beatriz Gutierrez (Vice Chair) - CONNSTEP, Inc.
• Montez Carter (Successor Vice Chair) - Trinity Health of New England
• Richard J. Tavolieri (Treasurer) - Deloitte LLP
• Pete Collins (Former Chair, 2024) - Senior Vice President for Enterprise Operations at Travelers

Leadership Quotes

Eric Harrison on the organization's vision: "Together, we will end poverty in the 860 region."

Eric Harrison on the Rapid Response Fund: "As the cold weather approaches — it's already here somewhat — we need to act to keep individuals and families in safe and stable housing with this diversion funding."

Eric Harrison on applying lessons learned: "I remain eager to apply all the lessons learned in my previous roles to eliminate poverty in all its forms in the 860 region."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Important Note: United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut has transitioned from a traditional grant application model to a strategic partnership approach. They do not currently operate an open Request for Proposals (RFP) or rolling application process for general grants.

Current Partnership Model:

• Partnerships are based on shared commitment to Onward860 priorities (child literacy, wages, housing, life expectancy)
• The organization completed design sessions in 2024 with 54 entities to shape their strategic vision
• Future partnerships emphasize collaborative, cross-sector working groups rather than individual grant awards
• Organizations interested in partnership should contact United Way directly at (860) 493-6800 or info@unitedwayinc.org

Exception - Emergency Food and Shelter Program:

• United Way administers federal EFSP funds for Hartford County through a Local Board process
• Eligibility and application information for EFSP is managed separately from United Way's strategic partnership funding

Partner Support

United Way provides extensive support to partner organizations:

• Training and technical assistance
• Fiscal management and operations guidance
• Volunteer and board member recruitment
• Rigorous monitoring and study of funded organizations

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. The organization conducts multi-year strategic planning with partners and makes funding commitments on a multi-year basis to support sustained impact.

Success Rates

Success rates and application statistics are not publicly available, as the organization has moved away from competitive grant-making to an invitation-based partnership model.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable under current partnership model. Partnerships are designed as ongoing collaborative relationships rather than annual grant cycles.

Application Success Factors

Since United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut operates through strategic partnerships rather than open grant applications, success factors center on alignment and collaboration:

Key Alignment Factors:

1. Mission Alignment with Onward860: Organizations must demonstrate work in one or more of the four priority areas: child literacy, wages, housing, or life expectancy
2. Commitment to Collective Impact: Partners must be willing to work collaboratively in cross-sector working groups addressing systemic barriers
3. Community-Centered Approach: Inclusion of community leaders, residents, and those most directly impacted by disparities in decision-making and program design
4. Data-Driven Results: Ability to measure impact and participate in United Way's Data Advisory Council processes
5. Operational Excellence: Strong fiscal management, governance, and organizational capacity

Recent Partners Include:

• Catholic Charities, Inc. – Archdiocese of Hartford
• Community First School Inc.
• COMPASS Youth Collaborative, Inc.
• Connecticut Foodshare, Inc.
• Friendship Service Center, Inc.
• Greater Hartford Legal Aid, Inc.
• Hartford Interval House, Inc.
• Hispanic Health Council, Inc.
• Urban League of Greater Hartford, Inc.
• YWCA Hartford Region, Inc.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford
• American Red Cross
• YMCA of Metropolitan Hartford

Strategic Approach: The organization emphasizes that "United Way's strategy unites our network of partner agencies under a set of shared goals and ties our support to the achievement of measurable change." This reflects a shift from transactional grant-making to transformational partnership.

Building Relationships: Organizations seeking to work with United Way should focus on:

• Demonstrating track record in addressing poverty and its root causes
• Willingness to participate in collaborative initiatives
• Strong community ties and relationships in the 860 region
• Capacity for sustained engagement rather than one-time projects

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Partnership Model, Not Traditional Grants: United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut has moved away from open grant applications to an invitation-based strategic partnership approach focused on collective impact
• Focus on Four Core Areas: All funding aligns with child literacy, wages, housing, and life expectancy—organizations working outside these areas are unlikely to receive support
• Long-Term Commitment Required: The organization seeks multi-year partnerships with collaborative organizations rather than one-time project funding
• Community-Centered Design: Successful partners include community members and those with lived experience in program design and implementation
• Direct Contact Recommended: Organizations interested in partnership should proactively contact United Way at (860) 493-6800 to discuss alignment and opportunities
• EFSP Exception: Organizations seeking Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds should inquire about the separate Local Board process
• High-Performing Organization: With a 4-star Charity Navigator rating and experienced leadership, United Way is a sophisticated funder expecting strong organizational capacity and results measurement

References

1. United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut Official Website - https://unitedwayinc.org/ (Accessed February 12, 2026)
2. "United Way Deploys $2.76 Million to Drive Collective Action to End Poverty" - https://unitedwayinc.org/news/united-way-deploys-2-76-million-to-drive-collective-action-to-end-poverty/ (Accessed February 12, 2026)
3. "Pete Collins is Named Chair of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut's Board of Directors" - https://unitedwayinc.org/news/pete-collins-is-named-chair-of-united-way-of-central-and-northeastern-connecticuts-board-of-directors/ (Accessed February 12, 2026)
4. "United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut Names Eric Harrison as President and CEO" - https://unitedwayinc.org/news/united-way-of-central-and-northeastern-connecticut-names-eric-harrison-as-president-and-ceo/ (Accessed February 12, 2026)
5. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990 Data for EIN 06-0646653 - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/60646653 (Accessed February 12, 2026)
6. Charity Navigator Profile - United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut - https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/060646653 (Accessed February 12, 2026)
7. "Nearly $400,000 in Funding Provided to 28 Emergency Food and Shelter Programs in Hartford County" - https://unitedwayinc.org/news/nearly-400000-in-funding-provided-to-28-emergency-food-and-shelter-programs-in-hartford-county/ (Accessed February 12, 2026)
8. "United Way Awards Nearly $1.2 million to Support Critical Services" - https://unitedwayinc.org/news/united-way-awards-nearly-1-2-million-to-support-critical-services-and-secures-partnership-with-54-entities-to-start-design-sessions-for-its-new-strategic-vision/ (Accessed February 12, 2026)
9. United Way Community Partners Page - https://unitedwayinc.org/our-work/community-partners/ (Accessed February 12, 2026)
10. United Way Our Team Page - https://unitedwayinc.org/about-us/our-team/ (Accessed February 12, 2026)
11. "CT United Way opens cash assistance program for those in need" - CT Mirror - https://ctmirror.org/2024/11/25/ct-united-way-cash-assistance-program/ (Accessed February 12, 2026)
12. Instrumentl 990 Report for United Way Inc - https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/united-way-inc-united-way-of-cent-and-ne-connecticut (Accessed February 12, 2026)
13. United Way Financials Page - https://unitedwayinc.org/about-us/financials/ (Accessed February 12, 2026)