Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund is sponsored by United Way of the Greater Triangle. This fund provides timely assistance to residents and nonprofits in Orange, Durham, Johnston, and Wake counties when a crisis interrupts everyday life.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund | Rapid Support Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund A permanent, community-powered resource that delivers fast, stabilizing support to people and organizations across the Triangle when unexpected needs arise. This fund provides timely assistance to residents and nonprofits in Orange, Durham, Johnston, and Wake counties when a crisis interrupts everyday life.

Grounded in our Invest–Convene–Amplify approach, it strengthens the region’s ability to respond quickly and ensures families and community partners get the help they need without delay. Because it is fueled entirely by donor support, every contribution goes directly to stabilizing neighbors and helping them move forward. Individuals Experiencing Financial Hardship Residents in any of the four counties can apply directly.

Requirements are minimal: Live in Orange, Durham, Johnston, or Wake County Live in Orange, Durham, Johnston, or Wake County Show a financial hardship affecting basic needs Provide a short explanation of the situation Eligible support may include housing stability, food access, transportation, or other essential needs created by a crisis. Up to $1,000 per approved application.

Nonprofit Organizations Facing Increased Demand Nonprofits may apply when a crisis leads to a clear spike in requests for help. Funding can be used for direct assistance, expanded capacity, or other critical needs tied to serving residents facing instability. Up to $5,000 per approved application.

United Way of the Greater Triangle retains a 5% administrative fee that covers application processing, review, communications, and reporting. This fee is intentionally kept low so the vast majority of funds reach the community. Application & Review Process Submit: A short online form describing the hardship and county of residence.

Review: UWGT program staff review all submissions, with philanthropic partners assisting as needed. Decision: Applicants are notified within two weeks. Disbursement: Payments are made directly to the individual or a vendor; a W-9 and mailing or banking details are required.

Submit: A brief application outlining the increased demand and how funds will support impacted residents. Review: UWGT assesses need, alignment, and readiness. Decision: Notifications are delivered within two weeks.

Disbursement : Funds are released promptly, enabling organizations to address urgent community needs.

Communication & Transparency In keeping with our Invest–Convene–Amplify model, UWGT will report: Number of individuals and nonprofits assisted Stories and impact updates Insights about emerging needs A coordinated rollout—including website updates, email, social content, and donor outreach—will begin after board approval and the release of application materials.

What This Means for Our Community The Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund strengthens the Triangle’s ability to show up for one another in moments that matter. With shared commitment and community investment, it ensures help is within reach when residents and organizations face sudden challenges. UWGT invites individuals, businesses, and philanthropic partners to join us in supporting neighbors through every season of need.