Lynchburg Business

Increased Funds to be Distributed Through United Way of Central Virginia

Issue: June 2010 by Lynchburg Business in In the News

United Way of Central Virginia has $181,665 more available for distribution to its partner agencies, a 10 percent increase over last year. The total this year is just over $1.9 million; the amount distributed last year was more than $1.7 million. The increase can be credited to a successful United Way annual campaign and the work United Way of Central Virginia and its partner agencies did together, looking at day-to-day operations and making budget adjustments.

“We are ecstatic about how our community pulled together to help those in need during these tough economic times,” Marie Martin, United Way of Central Virginia CEO, said when she announced the amount. “Everyone worked together towards a better community for all.”

More than 8,050 individuals made contributions through payroll deductions at 149 private-sector companies, local governments, schools and federal institutions around the region. These employee gifts totaled to just over $2 million, roughly 63 percent of the total funds raised in the 2009 annual campaign. Corporate gifts from 123 companies totaled nearly $841,195 and 455 individual donors gave $233,556.

The Fund Distribution Committee carefully examines each application and evaluates needs through onsite visitations, program review (program descriptions and how programs meet critical community needs), expected outcomes (initial, short-term and long-term) and a detailed assessment of how the monies will be spent. Each program is evaluated annually on its own merit, and funding is not guaranteed. Reviews take into major consideration the three key focus areas for United Way of Central Virginia: health, income and education.

“We are fortunate to have an outstanding team of volunteers to ensure that we are not only stewards of United Way funds, but that the funds are aligned with community needs,” Dianne Wright, Fund Distribution Chair, said.