United Way of Lancaster County has long been a force for meaningful change, tackling some of the biggest challenges in education, economic mobility, and health.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a nonprofit leader, or someone who simply cares about your community, their latest grants are a powerful opportunity for our Lancaster community.
What’s Happening?
United Way recently launched its Level Up & Launch grants, offering funding opportunities ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. These grants are designed to help nonprofits expand their reach, enhance services, and create lasting impact.
The program aims to invest a total of $500,000 in innovative projects that address service gaps and disparities in the community.
Maddie Seiler, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for United Way of Lancaster County, explained, “They can leverage those dollars for other grants or for fundraising that will be matched dollar for dollar up to their initial grant amount during the grant cycle.”
Why It Matters
Lancaster is known for its strong community ties, but gaps in resources persist. Many organizations struggle to scale operations or implement innovative ideas due to financial constraints.
By injecting capital into promising initiatives, United Way equips organizations with the tools needed to drive sustainable change
Who’s Eligible?
The grants are available to nonprofits working in education, health, and economic mobility.
If your organization is committed to improving lives in Lancaster, this is an opportunity worth exploring. Previous recipients of United Way funding have included:
- The Lancaster Literacy Project, which provided over 500 adults with free GED and English language classes last year.
- Healthy Futures Lancaster, a healthcare initiative that expanded access to preventative screenings, serving 1,200 uninsured residents.
- Career Pathways for Youth, a job training program that placed 78% of its graduates into full-time employment within six months.
“These grants give us the ability to expand our reach in ways we couldn’t do alone,” says Maria Torres, Executive Director of Career Pathways for Youth. “It’s a game-changer.”
The Ripple Effect
United Way’s funding doesn’t just support one organization—it uplifts entire communities.
By targeting key areas like early childhood education, workforce development, and healthcare access, these investments create a ripple effect:
- More kids in high-quality pre-K programs mean better academic outcomes down the road.
- Job training programs lead to a stronger local workforce and reduced unemployment.
- Accessible healthcare improves community health and sustainability.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Lancaster’s Nonprofits
United Way is not just providing funding; they’re fostering a long-term vision for a thriving Lancaster.
With plans to expand funding to new sectors and increase grant sizes in the coming years, the organization is committed to sustained impact.
If you’re involved in the nonprofit sector or wish to support a stronger community, this is a conversation worth having.
Share your thoughts on what Lancaster needs most right now—your ideas and support could be part of the next significant change.
