United Way has $200,000 available for programs focusing on reducing poverty, reducing homelessness or ensuring children up to six years old succeed. This is more than the organization has ever had available and is twice what was available last year.
Applications for priority grants can be found online at www.uwfv.bc.ca under the What We Do section.
In March, United Way announced priority grants were distributed to nine local organizations for 11 different projects in the Fraser Valley. Projects ranged from skills development for individuals living on the street to early child developmental screening to ensure children are ready to start school.
The increase in funds is due to cost-cutting at United Way and a very successful 2013 fundraising campaign led by Robin Marshall and Bruce Howell.
“We are excited about this increase to funding,” said board chair Tamara Van den Brink, “and we thank our United Way employees, the campaign cabinet and our generous donors for this opportunity to increase priority grants.”
“We’re committed to providing services in all areas of the Fraser Valley. Projects will be funded in all four regions including Abbotsford, Cascade, Chilliwack and Mission,” said Wayne Green, executive director of United Way.
“This funding is in addition to more than $200,000 distributed to local organizations to provide a safety net of services.”
For more information about United Way, go to www.uwfv.bc.ca.