United Way of Southwest Virginia Launches One-Time Bridge Program to Support Nonprofit Sustainability in Southwest Virginia and the New River Valley

Abingdon, VA — [October 1, 2025] United Way of Southwest Virginia is launching a one-time Bridge Funding Program of $188,164.18 to help nonprofit organizations across the region remain sustainable and continue providing vital services during a year of funding uncertainty. This limited-time initiative was created in direct response to the shifts in philanthropic, public, and private funding sources that have impacted planning cycles for many nonprofit organizations across Southwest Virginia and the New River Valley.  

“Nonprofits in Southwest Virginia are doing incredible, high-impact work,” said Megan Parks, Executive Director of United Way of Southwest Virginia. “The Bridge Program is an impactful solution to help trusted partners maintain momentum and service delivery while navigating a uniquely complex funding year.”

 
From education to food assistance, housing stability, and healthcare access, nonprofits in the region are cornerstones of community health and resilience. The Bridge Program allows United Way to utilize their discretionary funds to stand beside these organizations during this transitional moment, offering short-term, stopgap financial support where it's most needed to avoid any potential disruptions in services.

 
The funding is designed to close any potential budget gaps, strengthen organizational capacity, and ensure continuity in critical programs, not as a permanent funding solution, but as a strategic, time-limited boost to empower continued service.

 
“This initiative reflects United Way’s commitment to being a responsive, collaborative partner,” Megan Parks added. “By bridging this moment, we help build a more sustainable future for the organizations that make Southwest Virginia stronger every day.”

 
To learn more about the Bridge Program or how to support this initiative, visit unitedwayswva.org or contact Leia King, Community Impact Manager, at lking@unitedwayswva.org.  

 
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United Way of Southwest Virginia fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Southwest Virginia because they are the building blocks for a good quality of life.   United Way convenes cross-sector partners to make an impact on the most complex problems in our region. Through collaboration with government, businesses, nonprofits, and individuals, United Way innovates for positive, lasting social change.  With a footprint that covers more than 20% of the state of Virginia, United Way of Southwest Virginias serve the counties of Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe, and the cities of Bristol, Galax, Norton, and Radford.  

Megan Parks, Executive Director, United Way of Southwest Virginia
mparks@unitedwayswva.org 

(276) 628-2160