UNITED WAY OPENS SPECIAL GRANT FUNDING
United Way
The Board of Directors at United Way of Mahaska County is taking applications for special grant funding. Any non-profit, 501(c)3 human services organization can apply for these grants.
“The special grant process reflects United Way of Mahaska County’s strategic effort to expand services and reach into our community, by distributing additional dollars available to respond to local community needs,” explains United Way Executive Director, Brianne Fitzgerald.
Each agency views community needs from its own specific viewpoint; however, the United Way must look at needs from the view of the total community.
According to Fitzgerald, last year proved that once again, the need in the community was greater than United Way was able to meet. In years past, special grant funding has been very competitive, and United Way is expecting it will be again for this year.
“The month of September kicks our annual United Way Campaign into full swing. One question I am always asked is ‘if my gift is going to be enough to help everyone who needs assistance?’ Our community’s needs continue to change. Knowing that we set aside special grant dollars, and that the need is almost always greater than the amount available, there is no right answer to that question. There is no magic number to give. However, your gift IS important. Give when you can, and how you can. Every little bit makes a difference. $1 goes a long way. If you give, you are helping someone in need get one more dollar of assistance, than if you didn’t give that dollar at all,” says Fitzgerald.
Grant applications can be requested by phone at 641-673-6043, requested via email at unitedway@mahaska.org or found on the website at www.unitedwaymahaska.org. Applications are due to: Brianne Fitzgerald, Executive Director, United Way of Mahaska County, 500 High Avenue West, Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577 no later than noon on Friday, October 7, 2011.
