United Way Welcomes Four New Programs to Support Family Financial Stability
Thursday July 1, 2010
The United Way of Central Florida Board of Directors has awarded $5,603,596 in grants that will help support 88 area education, income and health programs administered by 54 local nonprofit agencies in the coming year. The Board awarded grants totaling $100,000 to four new programs focused on financial stability for families with young children.
After a nine-month study of community issues, volunteers issued a $100,000 request for proposal that generated 32 responses for programs working with low-income families. Four new programs were awarded this funding based on their ability to provide educational opportunities that will improve financial stability as measured by increases in income, establishment of emergency savings plans, improved job skills and/or improved credit score. Those programs are Enterprise Community Services, Exploration V Children’s Museum, Help of Fort Meade and Ounce of Prevention.
“These newly funded programs will assist families directly and will collaborate with existing partners to expand services in the community,” said Penny Borgia, UWCF’s chief operating officer. New partners will also work to prevent financial problems by working with families to manage debt, budget appropriately, and prepare for unexpected expenses.
Despite economic factors, United Way funding to programs remained relatively stable due to a vigorous campaign led by chair Tom McLaughlin, Publix Supermarkets, Inc.
All United Way funding applicants were asked to demonstrate how their programs would help achieve community goals and support the outcomes of its Community Impact Agenda. Fourteen teams with over 100 volunteers spent four months evaluating applications, asking questions, and visiting the programs. The volunteers evaluated the ability of programs to verify a critical community need, to describe the service that addresses that need, and to identify measurements that substantiate successful results.
The following is a general description of where resources from United Way’s Community Fund will be invested in the coming year:
• Education Programs $ 2,923,568
• Income & Financial Stability $ 1,347,273
• Health $ 1,332,755
United Way of Central Florida has been serving the local community for 30 years by understanding local needs and driving lasting change to build better lives and stronger communities. For more information about UWCF visit uwcf.org or call 863-648-1500.
For additional information concerning the allocation process or to volunteer to serve on a team, contact:
Penny Borgia at 863.648.1500 ext. 275.
