United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) has announced more money is going to the 20 organizations that receive Community Impact Grants.
The increase is due to the increase in pledges during the 2014 community campaign.
The total being distributed for the fiscal year that began July 1 is $422,000.
That’s an increase of $82,000, or 24 percent more being shared by the agencies, from each of the two previous years.
UWBV Community Impact Grants are given to the following agencies:
Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach
American Red Cross-Heart of Texas Chapter
Boys & Girls Club of Robertson County
Brazos Valley Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Easter Seals East Texas
BCS Habitat for Humanity
Family Promise of Bryan-College Station
Grimes County 4-H
Health for All, Inc.
Navasota Education Foundation
North Bryan Community Center
Project Unity
Scotty’s House Child Advocacy Center
Sexual Assault Resource Center
Son-Shine Outreach Center, Inc.
Texas Ramp Project
The Prenatal Clinic
The Salvation Army
Twin City Mission
Washington County Healthy Living Association
The 2015 campaign is already underway with the pacesetter drive that continues through August. The general campaign starts September 1 and continues through March 31 of 2016.
UWBV Vice President of Community Impact Lindsey LeBlanc says those interested in assisting as Loaned Executive volunteers for the upcoming campaign can call the United Way office at 979-696-4483. Training begins July 29th.
Click below for comments from Lindsey LeBlanc, visiting with WTAW’s Bill Oliver:
News release from United Way of the Brazos Valley:
With the success of the 2014 Community Campaign, United Way of the Brazos Valley is pleased to announce an increase to Year Three of our Community Impact Grants. Twenty partner agencies have received more than $340,000 each year in funding for Year One and Year Two of the grant. In Year Three, beginning July 1, 2015, partner agencies will receive more than $422,000 in funding, which is a 24% increase from Year Two.
“United Way is proud to increase our investments to our current partners in the Brazos Valley who are working hard every day to create measurable change in community issues,” says Alison Prince, President and CEO at United Way. “Because of the generosity of so many people in our community, we are able to further our work in building a stronger community.”
Community Impact Grants strengthen our community by advancing Education, Financial Stability, and Health. Organizations from across the Brazos Valley apply for programmatic funds to support programs such as substance abuse counseling, parenting classes, and housing for homeless families. Volunteer panels review grant applications, perform site visits and make final evaluations and recommendations for funding, ensuring maximum social return on investment. As a result of this process, twenty organizations were awarded funds for a three-year grant period; Year Three will equate to 60% of funds raised through Community Campaign.
“One in four residents in the Brazos Valley lives below the poverty line,” says Jeannie McGuire, Executive Director of Project Unity. “United Way’s increase in investments means increased impact for the vulnerable individuals, children, and families that Project Unity serves. Partnering with United Way allows Project Unity to provide intensive parenting services, basic needs security, and increased longevity for HIV patients.”
Community Impact Grants are only one method in which United Way creates impact in the community. United Way invests an additional $140,800 (20% of Community Campaign funds) to Community Investments, collaborative programs with organizations to address specific community needs through initiatives such as 2-1-1 Texas, Financial Stability Innovations, Volunteer Brazos Valley, and Youth Leadership Cabinet. *In total, 80% of funds raised through Community Campaign are invested in the Brazos Valley.
REVENUE:
Total Funds Pledged through 2014 Community Campaign:.$800,000
Budgeted Pledge Loss (12% pledges not collected):………($96,000)
Total Funds Available for Investments:………………………$704,000
EXPENSES:
Community Impact Grants (60%):…………………………….$422,400
Investment Initiatives (20%):…………………………………..$140,800
Administrative Costs (20%):……………………………………$140,800
Total:……………………………………………………………..$704,000