Requests for Funding

UI is a community-based business.  Our success depends on the success of the people and businesses we serve.  So it’s in our best interest to help make our communities the best they can be.  UI receives thousands of funding requests each year, and of course we are simply unable to fund every worthy group and project.  That is why we have created priority funding areas to guide our decision-making. 

Priority Funding Areas

The mission of UI’s corporate contributions program supports our belief that our economic health is intrinsically linked to the economic health of the communities we serve.  We view contributions to community-based organizations as strategic investments designed to support collaboration, independence and positive measurable outcomes.  We prefer to fund direct services and organizations working hands-on to reach community-based objectives.

       ·        Economic Vitality 

             This priority funding area focuses on programs that:

                 -- Promote the development of workforce housing;

                 -- Education residental and commercial customers on ways to 

                        conserve energy; and

                 -- Actively expand business development & recruitment.

·        Quality of Life

This priority funding area focuses on programs that:

-- Use the arts and entertainment to reflect the cultural diversity and values of the entire community;

-- Foster an appreciation of our natural environment and educate the community about preventing pollution and conserving natural resources; and

-- Address issues that affect our employees and customers by assisting those who are disadvantaged and in need of assistance and support.

·         Development of People

This priority funding area focuses on programs that:

-- Provide sustainable workforce training & development;

-- Improve public education -- primarily high school and community.  We prefer programs that improve student achievement in math and science while encouraging young people to pursue careers in these fields;

-- Support career development, school to career training, welfare to work education, and technical training.

-- Offer individuals the strategies and means required for self-                        sufficiency.

Restrictions

UI does not fund organizations which discriminate based upon age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, family status or sexual orientation.

We do not fund organizations not exempt under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Service Code.

In general, UI does not provide funding for individuals, scholarships, religious organizations, foundations, travel or transportation costs, operating deficits, political causes, candidate organizations or campaigns, medical research, endowments, capital campaigns, multi-year pledges, advertising, fundraising activities related to individual sponsorship (e.g., walk-a-thons) or organizations outside of our service territory. 

Application Process

Organizations that meet UI’s corporate contribution guidelines may submit written requests for funding.  We will review every proposal and notify you of our decision, and will contact you if we need additional information.  We will generally ask to meet with you at your site to discuss new requests.

We accept a modified version of the Connecticut Common Application.  It is available by calling 203-499-3777.

If you are not using the application form, your request must consist of a cover letter and a 2-3 page proposal, including a general statement indicating the purpose or mission of the organization; names and titles of the organizations’ officers or senior staff; names and affiliations (if applicable) of board members; list of other program funders; and the purpose and objectives of the program for which funding is being requested (highlight expected outcomes and collaborations with other organizations).

We also require a line item budget for the program, a current operating budget for the organization, the most recent audited financials, the most recent annual report and a copy of the organization’s tax-exempt certificate.

You may send your funding request to:

The United Illuminating Company

Economic & Community Development Department

157 Church Street, MS 1-6E

PO Box 1564

New Haven, CT  06506

Contact Us

If you have questions regarding our priority funding areas or require clarification regarding the application process, please contact us at 203-499-3777 or via email to development@uinet.com.