The United Way of Central Alberta has announced details for two separate new grant programs.
Any registered charity in Central Alberta with a focus on social services can apply for this new funding on a year-round basis or until the funding pool has been fully allocated, said Robert Mitchell, CEO for United Way of Central Alberta.
The full amount available is more than $21,000 and it’s expected to support 20 to 30 organizations each year. Two different funding streams are available – one for professional development supporting leadership and another one for small capital or equipment projects.
“The purpose of this new funding is to respond to emerging needs of all local non-profits on a year-round basis. It also supports our efforts to strengthen the network of services and the capacity of non-profit agencies in our communities.”
It’s all part of the $1,553,000 raised during last year’s annual campaign.
Priority will be given to applicants from registered charitable organizations with an annual budget under $1 million.
It’s going to be beneficial to the folks at the Youth and Volunteer Centre, for example.
“United Way is becoming more than just a ‘once a year funder’ for our organization. We can see that they have our communities’ best interests in mind. They are working with other community partners and non-profit organizations to ensure that their changes make sense for the whole community,” said David Murphy, CEO of the Youth and Volunteer Centre.
“This new funding is another great way to increase impact for the entire Central Alberta community, and we support the work they are doing wholeheartedly.”
Noel Butt, chair of the Volunteer Community Impact Council, said specific parameters have been set around these grants to make sure they have the greatest impact to the agencies that need them the most.
“We also have ensured that the application process will be as straightforward as possible. We have identified a gap in funding small capital projects and supporting staff development in our sector, and this is an obvious way to fulfill that need.”
Meanwhile, the United Way annual general meeting runs June 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Donald School of Business downtown. For more information, call 403-343-3900.
-Weber
