Nonprofits face funding cuts at United Way
ROCHESTER, NY – Nonprofits that rely on United Way funding are facing a crisis because there is not enough money to go around. Many organizations that have received grants for multiple years in the past are now being cut off from funding.
“The blows just don’t stop,” said Jamie Saunders, president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes. “Simply put, it hurts.”
Saunders said the United Way received 279 applications from nonprofits totaling $35 million. The United Way approved 97 applications totaling $6 million. Donations have been declining, a lingering impact of the pandemic.
“This is a crisis moment for our nonprofits and our nonprofit leaders who do so much,” Saunders said.
One of the non-profits that was denied approval is Foodlink. Foodlink says this couldn’t come at a worse time as visits to food banks have increased by 35%. One of these is Dimitri House on Union Street.
Laurie Prizel, executive director of Dimitri House, told News10NBC senior investigative reporter Berkeley Brean that in the nine years she has been there, she has never seen so many families come for food.
“And we are currently experiencing the largest increase in food demand in the nine years I have been here,” Prizel said.
Prizel says if Foodlink has fewer funds, its purchasing options will be fewer, which could lead to higher costs.
Berkeley Brean: “And then it trickles down to you.”
Laurie Prizel: “Us.”
Berkeley Brean: “Are you concerned that more children will go hungry in our community?”
Jamie Saunders: “Not because of that. But in general – absolutely.”
Saunders says food insecurity is real, but Foodlink is strong.
“When you look at their multi-year funding, particularly Foodlink, and what we expect in terms of donor matching, I believe they will receive more support from United Way,” Saunders said.
To fill those gaps, United Way has $2 million to divide among its long-term partners who were unable to participate. They will meet with them after Labor Day.
The average donation to United Way is $2 per day.
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