United Way of Westchester and Putnam is proud to announce the recipients of our inaugural Capacity Building Grant Awards. This is a new initiative designed to strengthen the organizations that support our region’s nonprofit sector.
Unlike our Community Impact grants, which fund direct-service programs, Capacity Building grants invest in the organizations that provide training, resources, advocacy, and infrastructure support to hundreds of human service agencies. By increasing their efficiency, effectiveness, and reach, we’re empowering thousands of dedicated employees and volunteers who work every day to improve the lives of our neighbors.
This year, we awarded $40,000 to 10 exceptional organizations doing critical work across Westchester and Putnam.
Introducing Our 2025 Capacity Building Grant Recipients
We are honored to support these organizations as they strengthen our nonprofit community:
African American Men of Westchester
Association of Development Officers
Business Council of Westchester
Grant Professionals of the Lower Hudson
The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center
Westchester Children’s Association
“We are deeply grateful to United Way Westchester and Putnam for recognizing that in order to help our community, we must also support the advocates working on its behalf. This funding expands The LOFT’s ability to support and connect LGBTQ+ community leaders and advocates, strengthening the network that supports our community. When we help these groups succeed, we amplify their voices and create a safer, more welcoming place for everyone.”
Eleanor Rice, Director of Development and Volunteer Engagement, The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center
“The support we receive from United Way of Westchester and Putnam is integral to our ability to serve the community. It enables ADO to provide hundreds of professionals within local nonprofits the tools to be more successful raising funds, diversifying income streams, and making their organizations more sustainable over the long term – ensuring they are available to meet the needs of our neighbors in 2026 and beyond. Thank you for this vital funding!”
Executive Director
Hillary Millman, Executive Director, Association of Development Officers
“The United Way of Westchester and Putnam has been a critical partner for Pro Bono Partnership for many years, ensuring that nonprofits serving the community get the support they need to adapt, grow, and thrive. We greatly appreciate the support of the United Way to increase the capacity of our nonprofit clients, and its work as a convenor of the nonprofit community.”
Heidi Siesfeld, Director of Development, Pro Bono Partnership
“We are thrilled to receive a grant from the United Way to support capacity-building work at Volunteer New York! Our missions truly align, and the investment from the United Way in our organization will help us to advance our mission of ‘people power’ – leveraging volunteerism to meet our community’s greatest needs.”
Polly Lagana, Executive Director, Volunteer New York!
We Believe in Building Stronger Together
The Capacity Building grants are an investment in the future of our nonprofit sector. When we strengthen the organizations that provide training, legal support, advocacy, volunteer coordination, and professional development, we create a ripple effect that reaches every corner of our community.
We are grateful to our donors and partners who make this work possible, and we’re excited to see the impact these grantees will have in the year ahead.