Last week United Way of Central Alberta announced that it will be investing $1.55 million into the community.
The majority of the funds will provide a 1.8% increase to the United Way’s three community priority areas.
The three community priority areas include education – ‘All that kids can be’, income – ‘from poverty to possibility’, and wellness – ‘creating healthy people and strong communities’.
United Way’s goals are to reduce the rate of homelessness, help families escape violence, enable seniors to live independently and to empower children and youth to achieve their full potential.
This year alone an additional $20,000 will be invested in projects with a focus on the zero to six age range where a gap had been identified in funding.
In order to receive funding, agencies must meet rigorous standards. All applications are measured on multiple performance levels.
Agencies eligibility for funding is based on things such as the ability to demonstrate strong community collaboration, program effectiveness and sound governance.
Eighty-eight thousand dollars will go towards the Community Initiatives fund, $120,000 to charitable agencies and $205,000 to support the community directly through United Way.
Noel Butt, co-chair of the new Community Impact Council said that due to another successful campaign they are pleased to provide a 3-10% increase to a number of agencies.
“The aim of our current investment strategy is to ensure our funded agencies receive necessary funds to continue and develop their important community work,” said CEO Robert Mitchell.
Mitchell added that the high quality human care services supported by United Way of Central Alberta will lead to a more robust and prosperous region that we all want to live in.
“A very big thank you to everyone that donated and volunteered their time during the 2011 campaign, your contributions ensured our success,” said Mitchell.
United Way of Central Alberta has been around since 1965 and continues to ensure that each donation is responsibly managed and directed to the areas of greatest need in our community.
Last year’s United Way campaign across the country raised more than $440 million to help build stronger communities.
For more information on United Way of Central Alberta visit www.caunitedway.ca.
kpalardy@reddeerexpress.com
