Geneva, NY (WHAM) – Another local nonprofit is losing a key funding source.
The United Way of Greater Rochester announced Friday that it is expanding its Community Impact Fund, leaving some longstanding nonprofits, such as the Geneva Family YMCA, without critical funding.
In 2025, United Way will provide nearly $6 million in multi-year grants to 97 of its nonprofit partners, nearly half the funding cuts from previous years.
BACKGROUND: United Way of Greater Rochester cuts funding, impacting local nonprofits
For 25 years, United Way has funded some of the Geneva Family YMCA’s youth programs. Executive Director Todd Freelove said $34,000 covers a little less than a third of the cost of youth programs.
“It was a bit of a surprise, especially given the longevity of the funding, several decades,” Freelove said. “It creates scholarships for children and keeps tuition costs low for families, so we hope to receive this funding every year.”
According to Freelove, the afterschool program costs YMCA members $230 a month, and scholarships are awarded based on financial need. In addition, just over half of the children who participated in afterschool programs received financial assistance.
“The YMCA impacts everyone who comes to the Y. If we can’t make that impact, it could be detrimental,” Freelove said. “The ability to open our doors, open our pool and gym to be able to offer them low-cost programs could be impacted.”
Charlie Evangelista, former executive director of the Geneva Family YMCA, said there are currently 70 children enrolled in the afterschool program and there are waiting lists.
“When we heard the news, we were and still are extremely disappointed,” Evangelista said.
United Way attributed the funding cuts to a drop in donations since the pandemic. The nonprofit announced it would provide a one-time $2 million bridging grant to long-standing partners.
Freelove is trying to find out more about this funding.
“We don’t want to panic yet,” Freelove said. “I have a few more meetings with them to better understand what this bridge funding might look like and how we can apply for it.”
According to Freelove, these meetings are planned before the end of the week.
13WHAM has reached out to United Way for comment on this story but has not yet received a response.
_____
