The United Way of Central Alberta announced Thursday it will invest more than $1.5 million into area communities this year.
More than 30 volunteers sat on a Citizen’s Review Committee to come up with the investment plan, which will see $1.1 million directed towards 32 local non-profit agencies.
The groups chosen focus on nurturing children and youth, strengthening families and seniors, encouraging self-reliance and building safe neighbourhoods.
United Way is also providing $209,345 to help various groups develop solutions to troubling issues and address the root causes.
Another $125,000 is allocated to a designation program that allows donors to direct funds to specific charitable agencies, mostly in Central Alberta.
To help local agencies share the results of their work better and help develop new leaders in the non-profit sector, a fund of $81,800 has been set up.
The money will also be used to support professional development workshops, share information with provincial partners on what efforts are working and where new approaches are needed and to work with Volunteer Red Deer to improve a regional database.
Joe Deutscher, co-chair of the United Way’s citizen’s review committee, said all 32 agencies wil receive some form of funding, and most can expect to get similar amounts to last year.
“That enables them to continue to provide services in our community to help those in need.”
Seven different volunteer panels from the committee went out and reviewed applications and financial information before coming up with their recommendations. The United Way raised $1.8 million last year, about $260,000 short of its $2.1 million goal.
Deutscher said given the recession last year’s fundraising effort should be considered a major success and all the volunteers should be congratulated for their efforts.
“I would almost argue the campaign was more successful than the prior year based on the challenges they faced,” he said.
pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com
