Deadline: 28-Nov-2025

United Way Hastings and Prince Edward (HPE) is accepting applications for its Community Impact Fund, offering grants starting at $5,000 for nonprofit programs that address poverty, child development, and community well-being. Eligible organizations must complete an online pre-qualification, provide financial and governance documentation, and align with United Way’s mission and priority pillars. The program also includes an Innovation Fund that supports capacity-building and collaboration among nonprofits.

United Way Hastings & Prince Edward Community Impact Fund: Grant Opportunity for Local Nonprofits

Overview

United Way Hastings and Prince Edward (UWHPE) is now accepting applications for its Community Impact Fund. This fund supports nonprofit programs that improve social conditions across Hastings County and Prince Edward County. Grants begin at $5,000 and target organizations addressing United Way’s priority pillars: child development, poverty reduction, and strong, healthy communities.

Funding Streams

1. Community Impact Fund (Primary Grants)

Supports programs that:

• Help children and youth reach their full potential

• Move individuals and families out of poverty

• Strengthen community health, safety, and well-being

2. Innovation Fund

Provides small grants for:

• Organizational capacity-building

• Improving operational systems

• Cross-agency collaboration

• New partnership development
  These grants help nonprofits enhance service delivery and increase community reach.

Why It Matters

The Community Impact Fund plays a critical role in strengthening the local social support ecosystem. Rising community needs mean nonprofits require reliable funding to:

• Sustain essential services

• Expand program reach

• Address emerging gaps

• Strengthen organizational resilience
  This funding ensures resources go to the programs with the highest potential for long-term, positive impact.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify, organizations must:

• Complete an online Pre-Qualification

• Provide services to Hastings County and/or Prince Edward County residents

• Align with UWHPE’s Community Impact Strategy

• Be governed by a volunteer Board of Directors

• Submit audited financial statements or a review engagement

• Demonstrate organizational sustainability, stability, and capacity

• Comply with the Ontario Human Rights Code

• Align with UWHPE’s mission, vision, values, and guiding principles

• Be a qualified donee under the Canada Revenue Agency (or be prepared to meet new directives allowing non-qualified donees)

How It Works: Application Process

Step-by-Step Application Flow

1. Complete Online Pre-Qualification

   • Confirms basic eligibility and alignment

2. Prepare Key Documentation

   • Audited statements or review engagement

   • Governance details, including board structure

   • Program details and alignment explanation

3. Submit the Full Application Online

4. Community Review

   • Volunteer panels assess applications

   • Recommendations made to UWHPE Board of Directors

5. Board Decision and Funding Notification

What the Fund Supports

Programs that:

• Improve child learning, safety, and development

• Reduce poverty through employment supports, housing, food security, and financial literacy

• Build stronger communities through mental health, social inclusion, and well-being services

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to demonstrate strong program alignment with the three priority pillars

• Weak or missing financial documentation

• Incomplete governance information

• Lack of measurable outcomes or impact indicators

• Not showing organizational sustainability

FAQ

1. What is the minimum grant amount available?

The minimum funding amount is $5,000.

2. Can new or small nonprofits apply?

Yes, if they meet the eligibility criteria and can show organizational stability.

3. Can organizations outside Hastings or Prince Edward County apply?

No. Programs must directly serve residents of these counties.

4. Does the Innovation Fund require a separate application?

Yes, it is a separate funding stream with its own guidelines.

5. Who reviews applications?

Community volunteers review submissions and make recommendations to the Board.

6. Are collaborations encouraged?

Yes, especially under the Innovation Fund, which supports partnership development.

7. Do applicants need CRA qualified donee status?

Yes, though upcoming regulatory changes may expand eligibility to non-qualified donees.

Conclusion

The United Way Hastings & Prince Edward Community Impact Fund offers valuable financial support for nonprofits working to improve child development, reduce poverty, and strengthen community health. With structured review processes, clear eligibility requirements, and additional innovation grants, this opportunity enables organizations to expand their impact and contribute to meaningful, long-term social change in the region.