United Way For Cortland County Announces Community Impact Funding For 2026

The United Way For Cortland County (UWCC) has announced their Community Impact Funding for 2026. The organization says the awards highlight the power of collective local giving to drive meaningful change. Funding will go towards supporting vital programs within Cortland County that strengthen individuals and families.

For their 2026 cycle, which goes from January through December, funding was awarded to 10 programs that represent 8 community agencies. The funding comes after a competitive and community-driven allocation process, the UWCC says. All applications were reviewed by the grant scoring committee using “rigorous” criteria focused on community needs, program management, and effective outcomes.

“These awards represent a shared commitment to meeting local needs, strengthening proven programs, and telling a clear, authentic story about the difference community investment makes,” said Kristina Thelen, MPA, President and CEO of UWCC. Thelen added, “We are grateful for the collaborative work of our funded partners and the generosity of community members who make this investment possible.”

The UWCC says they will continue to partner with several returning funding programs. Those include:

• Comprehensive Emergency Feeding Services (Salvation Army of Cortland)
• Cortland Child Care Program – Here We Grow (YWCA Cortland)
• Mentoring, Bridges for Kids—(YWCA Cortland)
• Getting Ahead Adult Education Program (CAPCO)
• Family and Community Services Emergency Assistance (Catholic Charities)
• After School and Summer Youth Programs (Salvation Army of Cortland)
• Access to Health (FPSCNY)

In addition to the returning programs, the UWCC announced three new programs joining their funding partners for 2026, The Doula Partnership of Cortland County (SVHC), After School Program (Cortland Collective Impact Initiatives), Membership for All (YMCA Cortland).

The UWCC says the Community Impact Funding is made possible through the generosity of residents, businesses, and organizations in the county.