The Union Benevolent Association (UBA), a cornerstone of philanthropy in Philadelphia since 1831, has announced a significant shift in its grantmaking strategy. UBA will shift to a community place-based strategy and focus on strengthening specific Philadelphia neighborhoods with sustained, multi-year funding.
“For over 190 years, UBA has been committed to supporting organizations that uplift vulnerable and disadvantaged Philadelphians,” said Monique Curry-Mims, Executive Director of UBA. “This new approach allows us to deepen our impact by building long-term partnerships with communities and organizations that are closest to the needs they serve.”
Core Principles Guiding UBA’s Giving
1. We support work that improves the quality of life of individuals. UBA awards grants to initiatives that demonstrably improve the lives of individuals and families.
2. We support the organizations that work beyond direct services - advocacy, capacity, and mobilization UBA prioritizes organizations that are led by and accountable to the community they serve.
3. We support the organizations that work beyond direct services - advocacy, capacity, and mobilization UBA supports organizations that go beyond direct services through advocacy, community capacity and mobilization.
The new funding model
The community place-based strategy has a multi-faceted approach, beginning with Southwest Philadelphia in Fall 2024. UBA will support the community through three avenues:
1. Three-Year General Operating Grants (Fall 2024 - Fall 2027): This grant will support a community-based organization(s) in Southwest Philadelphia that provide direct services and advocacy around basic needs.
2. Annual Direct Services Grants (Spring Grants): UBA will award grants to organizations providing direct services that address critical needs in the Southwest Philadelphia community each spring.
3. Capacity Building Support: UBA will offer resources and training to strengthen the effectiveness of organizations within the Southwest Philadelphia community.
Greg Goldman, Board Chair of UBA believes, “This multifaceted approach allows UBA to invest in both long-term organizational development and immediate community needs.”
Looking Ahead
The application period for the three-year general operating grant in Southwest Philadelphia opened July 19, 2024 and closes September 6, 2024. The remaining information sessions for this new cycle will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024. The first event will take place from 11 a.m. to Noon and the second from Noon to 1 p. Both sessions will be held at Southwest Community Development Corporation 6328 Paschall Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19142. Register now.
UBA remains committed to its core mission of supporting vulnerable populations in Philadelphia. The success of this initial community focus will pave the way for UBA to expand its place-based strategy to other communities in the future.
About the Union Benevolent Association
The Union Benevolent Association (UBA) is a private foundation dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged Philadelphians. Since 1831, UBA has provided critical funding and support to organizations that address basic needs, foster self-sufficiency and empower communities.
