Partnership Grant Program 2027-2028

Partnership Grant Program

Benefits Access & Basic Needs Pillar - Now Open

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United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey is pleased to announce the launch of the Benefits Access & Basic Needs Pillar within the Partnership Grant Program (PGP).

This pillar recognizes that economic mobility is not possible without stability. Too many families across our nine-county region are working, contributing, and striving — yet remain one emergency away from crisis. Strengthening access to public benefits and stabilizing basic needs are foundational steps toward long-term opportunity.

Funding Overview

• Award Amount: $100,000
• Funding Type: General operating support
• Grant Term: Two years

Application Timeline

• RFP Open: March 13, 2026
• Application Deadline: May 2, 2026

Purpose

The Benefits Access & Basic Needs Pillar seeks to support organizations that:

• Increase enrollment in public benefits (e.g., SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, TANF, tax credits, housing supports)
• Provide navigation and case management services that connect households to available resources
• Reduce barriers to accessing benefits, particularly for ALICE* households and historically marginalized communities
• Address immediate basic needs in ways that are connected to longer-term stabilization strategies

We are especially interested in models that combine direct service with systems-level improvements that simplify, streamline, or improve the benefits access process.

Why This Matters

Public benefits are not charity — they are tools that families have earned and deserve. When households can access health coverage, food assistance, housing support, and tax credits, they are better positioned to pursue education, employment, and asset-building opportunities.

Stabilization is the first step toward opportunity.

Strategic Priorities

Proposals should align with one or more of the following priorities:

1. Benefits Enrollment & Navigation

• Community-based enrollment assistance
• Multilingual and culturally responsive outreach
• Embedded benefits navigators in trusted institutions

2. Integrated Service Delivery

• Co-located or coordinated services that reduce duplication and fragmentation
• Cross-sector partnerships that improve client experience

3. Equitable Access & Outreach

• Targeted engagement in under-resourced neighborhoods
• Addressing digital access barriers
• Building trust in communities historically excluded from public systems

4. Data & Continuous Improvement

• Tracking enrollment outcomes
• Identifying systemic barriers
• Informing policy or administrative improvements

Funding Approach

United Way seeks to support organizations that demonstrate:

• Strong community trust and track record
• Clear outcomes related to enrollment and stabilization
• Collaboration with public agencies and community partners
• Commitment to equity and measurable impact

Funding may support program operations, staffing (e.g., benefits navigators), outreach efforts, and capacity to track outcomes.

Desired Outcomes

Through this pillar, United Way aims to:

• Increase successful enrollment in public benefits
• Reduce income volatility for working families
• Strengthen household stability
• Improve coordination across the benefits ecosystem
• Lay the groundwork for long-term economic mobility

* ALICE – Asset-limited, income-constrained, employed.

About the Partnership Grant Program

The Partnership Grant Program is structured around four strategic pillars:

1. Education & Mentorship (application closed 2/28/2026)
2. Economic Mobility
3. Jobs, Opportunities, & Entrepreneurship
4. Benefits Access & Basic Needs

RFPs for the remaining pillars will be released on a staggered schedule throughout the fiscal year.

We encourage nonprofit partners to review the RFP and apply during the open application period.

To apply for a Partnership Grant Program grant, applicants must meet ALL of the following criteria:

• Tax exempt under IRS Section 501(c)3
• Located in one of the following PA or NJ counties: Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland
• Mission focused on alleviating poverty in the Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey region
• Operate programs in and/or provide services to one or more of the following PA or NJ counties: Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland
• Offer programs, services, or activities that align with our Benefits Access & Basic Needs pillar
• Offer services without regard to age, gender, race, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, or presence of a disability

The following types of organizations are NOT eligible to apply:

• Animal welfare organizations
• Colleges and universities, unless the majority of their students are experiencing or at risk of experiencing poverty
• Childcare centers, unless they also provide programming beyond childcare such as youth development and/or family support services
• Hospitals
• Libraries
• Government and quasi-government agencies
• K-12 schools, unless the school predominantly serves Opportunity Youth
• Organizations headquartered outside of the Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey region (local chapters of national organizations can be considered if they raise more than half of their revenue locally)
• Organizations that regrant funding