United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region (UWDOR) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) titled "Education Strategy" to support nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving educational outcomes and workforce development for children and adults in Dutchess and Orange counties, New York. This funding opportunity is part of UWDOR’s broader community impact strategy, which focuses on addressing poverty and limited access to educational resources by promoting positive youth development and skill-based learning. UWDOR seeks to build partnerships with nonprofit organizations that share its commitment to measurable, community-level outcomes that support academic achievement and lifelong learning.

The funding period for this opportunity spans from July 2025 to June 2026. Applicants that have previously received funding from UWDOR may request up to $20,000, with most awards historically averaging around $10,000. New applicants can apply for up to $10,000, with potential for future funding if they maintain good standing with UWDOR. However, future funding is not guaranteed. The funding supports year-round programs that focus on academic achievement, workforce development, literacy services, and positive youth development.

To be eligible, applicants must be nonprofit organizations providing educational and workforce development services in Dutchess or Orange counties. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to achieving community-level outcomes in high-need demographic and geographic areas. Collaboration with other agencies is strongly encouraged, and programs that depend on external partners, such as school districts, must provide letters of commitment from those partners. Programs must use evidence-based or evidence-informed models to be considered for funding.

The application process opened on February 3, 2025, with applications due by 5:00 p.m. on March 14, 2025. Applicants can submit questions to ci-inbox@uwdor.org, and responses will be provided within 48 business hours. Technical guidance on how to apply will be offered through video or written materials. Award notifications are expected to be issued in June 2025.

Applications will be evaluated using a scoring rubric that emphasizes program design (50 points), justification of need using data (20 points), and organizational infrastructure (30 points). Successful programs must demonstrate how they will achieve community-level outcomes, collaborate effectively with partners, and apply evidence-based or evidence-informed strategies. The review process will be conducted by the United Way Community Impact Committee, along with input from community leaders, and previous grant history may also be considered.

The overall goal of the Education Strategy funding is to increase access to positive youth development and literacy programs, as well as to expand opportunities for skill-based workforce development. Specific outcomes include improving youth literacy rates, fostering positive behaviors, increasing families’ access to educational and workforce programs, and ultimately improving the financial stability of participants. The funding is part of UWDOR’s larger commitment to addressing educational inequities, particularly those exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and supporting programs that foster both academic success and long-term economic security.