United Way of Greater Nashua Awards $1.1 Million to Area Non-Profits
NASHUA—An Award Ceremony was held recently for recipients of United Way of Greater Nashua’s Community Impact Fund grants. A total of $1.1 Million will be dispersed over the next three years to thirty-three programs of twenty-five nonprofit agencies who are achieving impact in health, education, or economic mobility.
Once every three years, United Way invites qualifying Greater Nashua nonprofit organizations to submit proposals for financial support for a specific program or programs that would benefit from this infusion of funds. Some of the criteria includes having a mission and vision to advance the common good by making measurable improvements in the lives of the people served, the ability to track and report measurable results, at least three years of experience serving the Greater Nashua region; and have the willingness and desire to collaborate with United Way and other service providers in our community to improve access to services and avoid duplication.
The ceremony was held at Nashua Community College with United Way President, Mike Apfelberg acting as Emcee. He congratulated the agencies for their important work in our communities and for the forward-thinking initiatives they are embarking on with United Way in the current three-year cycle beginning this year. He talked about the dedication of the many community volunteers who make up the three committees – Health, Education and Economic Mobility, that reviewed every application to determine eligibility and to make the challenging decisions regarding awards. Each organization was given time to share information about their programs and how the funds will be used.
Greater Nashua Dental Connection is a past and present Community Impact Fund recipient. Lisa Woods, Executive Director, shared this about the award GNDC received in the previous 3-year cycle, “The United Way of Greater Nashua’s unwavering support through the years and during the height of the pandemic providing financial support and the ability to provide proper Personal protective equipment (PPE) gear was essential in the Greater Nashua Dental Connection’s (GNDC) ability to safely treat the community. This allowed GNDC the ability to focus on upholding our mission of providing access to affordable dental care to individuals and families regardless of financial, linguistic, cultural or geographic barriers. While other practices closed, GNDC remained open all because of the UW of Greater Nashua.”
Upbeat New Hampshire works in partnership with United Way of Greater Nashua and the Nashua School district to provide an inclusive string program in the Nashua Schools and surrounding communities. The program is funded with grants and donations. It offers 30 weeks of semi-private lessons for string students at their school for all levels of experience.
“The Community Impact Fund grant has given Upbeat NH the ability to provide full scholarships to more string students in the Upbeat NH Program. This will allow us to give equitable access to lessons and orchestra to all our students in the Greater Nashua area. Our heartfelt thanks go out to United Way of Greater Nashua,” said Nancy Goodwin who accepted the award on behalf of Upbeat NH.
The monies provided through the United Way Community Impact Fund grants are raised annually through employee payroll deductions, individual donations, corporate support, and through several creative fundraising events, including the Nashua Nor’easter Winter Walk/Run/Ride, United (W)e-Recycle, Over the Edge (Rappelling), Sky Dive United, and more. United Way of Greater Nashua encourages everyone to become involved in our mission by participating in and/or donating to our fundraising events. Because Great things happen when we LIVE UNITED!
United Way of Greater Nashua is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 1929 to serve the residents of Greater Nashua. Its mission is to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. United Way of Greater Nashua has received GuideStar and Charity Navigator’s top ratings for accountability, transparency, and financial management. For more information or to get involved as a donor or volunteer, please email United Way of Greater Nashua at info@unitedwaynashua.org or visit their website at www.unitedwaynashua.org.
