Fort Atkinson, WI – March 18, 2016 – The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties is set to launch its third annual pillar grant funding opportunity. The application cycle officially opens on Monday, March 21st and closes on Monday, April 25th at 5pm, with grant allocation decisions announced by Friday, May 13th.
“Our United Way is so excited to launch our third round of pillar grant funding to our communities. Over the past two years, we have been able to allocate a total of $24.085 to 14 different community projects and programs through this funding opportunity,” states Megan Findlay, United Way executive director. “We are incredibly grateful that our campaign support over the past three years has allowed us to not only implement this unique opportunity, but also grow the support behind it.”
Pillar grant funding is a unique opportunity that differentiates from the traditional agency grants United Way provides, in that applicants are not required to be nonprofit organizations to be eligible for funding, although nonprofits are still able and encouraged to apply. The opportunity is open to any and all community members, organizations/groups, schools, etc. who may have a great community project idea or an existing program that they need additional funding for. The main requirement is that the project must be aimed at improving the health, education and/or financial independence of the communities which United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties supports. Also, to ensure proper use of grant funds, pillar grant payments are made on a reimbursement basis after the receipt of paid invoices.
“Two years ago, when this new funding opportunity was introduced, our United Way was looking for a way to get more involved with community projects and programs that extended beyond those we currently help support through our nonprofit partner agency grants,” Findlay states. “We were looking to increase the visibility of our support within our communities and to provide support to any parents, students or groups looking for a way to make their community enhancement project idea a reality.”<
Some example of the past 14 projects that have received funding are: mobile railyard equipment through Fort Healthcare; scholarships for local children to participate in the Working for Whitewater’s Wellness Fit Kid Shuffle; improvements/additions to school and community gardens; student fees, speaker fees, and material costs for the Jefferson County Connections Youth Leadership Conference; Parents Cafes for Jefferson County Head Start; and many more.
“The feedback we’ve received regarding the pillar grant opportunity as been overwhelmingly positive. I think our donors appreciate that as we receive additional campaign support, we’ve looked at ways to grow and expand our focus, and I think our communities appreciate a new way to get involved with United Way,” Findlay added. “We are so eager to review the applications we receive for 2016, and are so excited to continue to support our communities in new, innovative ways.”
Anyone interested in applying for a 2016 pillar grant, can contact Megan Findlay directly at 920.563.8880 or [email protected].
The United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties supports 32 local agencies that provide critical health and human services to those in need. This network of helping services can be described as a “safety net” for those in our midst in need. Whether it is transitional housing, literacy education, after-school programs and education, health and dental care, end of life care, mentoring programs, job training or disaster relief, the United Way identifies the greatest needs in our community and helps to fund agencies that can meet those needs.
For more information about our local United Way, you may visit the website at www.ourunitedway.com or “like” the Facebook page at “United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties.” For details regarding the United Way’s online volunteer tool, please visit www.volunteermain.com.
