COMMUNITY-CENTERED CRISIS RESPONSE

UNITED
RESPONSE FUND
An Urgent Call to Action

Unstable federal funding and shifting policies are threatening the reduction or elimination of food assistance, specifically SNAP benefits. In partnership with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, United Way is responding to these direct threats to SNAP, the state’s largest anti-hunger program that serves more than 1 million people in our state. This is just one example of how federal changes are threatening the safety net and support systems thousands rely on. United Way is built to rapidly respond to crises – quickly, strategically, and at a scale that is greater than what any individual organization can do alone.

TOGETHER WE CAN RESPOND •
TOGETHER WE CAN RESPOND •
TOGETHER WE CAN RESPOND •
TOGETHER WE CAN RESPOND •

UNITED, WE WILL

SUPPORT

Provide flexible operating funds to support local community-based organizations and the new, unexpected and emerging needs impacting them. These resources will enable them to focus on sustaining critical services and meeting the needs of their communities, despite stretched budgets and staffing resources.

STABILIZE

Deploy emergency financial assistance to individuals and families to address new, vital basic needs that are emerging in unprecedented ways because of immediate actions. With critical safety net programs such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Head Start and Medicaid under real threats, the need for philanthropy to step in will be even greater.

STRENGTHEN

Offer deeper support for organizational resilience to community partners who are most vulnerable to potential funding cuts. We must ensure nonprofits that are deeply rooted in our communities and are the most impacted can be sustained during this time of change and uncertainty.

SNAP

This statewide effort, which involves the 13 United Ways across Massachusetts, aims to serve all  351 communities by rapidly deploying critical food resources to meet urgent, immediate community needs.  

RAPID RESPONSE SNAP GRANT

United Snap Response in the news

News
Nov 10 2025

United Response Fund Update: United Way Raises $5.6M to Support Familie…

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News
Oct 31 2025

Cummings Foundation to Donate $1M to United Way’s United Response Fund t…

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News
Oct 30 2025

Ahead of November 1 SNAP Freeze, Governor Healey Launches New SNAP Resou…

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United Response Funds


In response to the urgent need created by rising food costs & SNAP disruptions, the URF has swiftly deployed more than $1 million in grants to more than 60 local organizations across Massachusetts & counting. This fast, flexible funding model ensures that trusted community partners can respond without delay — providing groceries, gift cards, & culturally relevant meals directly to families.

United Response Fund

One Chelsea Fund

One Haverhill Fund

September 17, 2025

UWMB Awards $130,000 in First Round of United Response Fund Grants

The initial round of funding underscores United Way’s commitment to address emerging needs by catalyzing collective action and partnerships. The grants will also provide emergency financial assistance to individuals and families facing urgent challenges meeting essential needs like food, housing and utilities.

WE ARE CALLING ON OUR PARTNERS
— DONORS + CORPORATIONS + FOUNDATIONS —
TO RISE WITH US IN THIS MOMENT OF HISTORIC UNCERTAINTY.