Date: August 12, 2008
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DEVELOPMENT FUND GRANTS APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE THROUGH UNITED WAY OF SUMMIT COUNTY

(AKRON, OHIO) – Preliminary Applications for 2009 Development Fund Grants from United Way of Summit County (UWSC) are now available to 501 (c) (3) non-profit health and human service agencies providing services in Summit County.

A volunteer group serving as the Development Fund Review Committee will consider proposals for new and/or expanded programs that address critical community needs. “New” programs are defined as services not previously furnished by the submitting agency. “Expanded” programs are currently furnished with plans for expansion into a new geographic area or service provision to an additional or replacement population.

Development Fund Grants are awarded based on the merits of the proposal, how well it addresses a critical community need, and the benefits to program participants. The proposals are also compared to currently existing programs and agencies. Proposals that involve collaborative partnering are strongly encouraged.

Eligible organizations interested in submitting a funding request must submit a Letter of Intent describing the program for which they are seeking funding. Agencies are encouraged to review programs for funding alignment with areas of greatest need as determined in the County of Summit’s Healthy Summit 2010 and /or United Way’s Thriving Communities Surveys. Proposals selected for formal application will be submitted through online computer access. Letters of Intent will be reviewed by United Way volunteers for viability and alignment with community needs, and some organizations will be invited to prepare and submit complete applications.

Letters of Intent must be received at United Way of Summit County’s office by 4:00 pm, Thursday, September 4, 2008. For further information and an application, call the United Way of Summit County Community Impact Division at (330) 643-5510.

United Way of Summit County improves lives by mobilizing community assets. For more information on any program or to volunteer, call the United Way of Summit County at (330) 762-7601, visit our website at www.uwsummit.org, or write to us at United Way of Summit County, 90 N. Prospect St., P.O. Box 1260, Akron, Ohio 44309-1260.