United Way of Martin County recently approved its annual funding to local programs, distributing more than $1.5 million raised during the 2006-07 campaign.

United Way invests in programs that show measurable improvement in people’s lives. Funding is focused on priority need areas such as reducing youth substance abuse, expanding services to a growing elderly population, increasing access to health care for the uninsured and providing stability and independence for individuals and families in crisis.

From March through May, about 70 volunteers who make up the citizen review panels examined applications for United Way support. They made site visits, reviewed results and deliberated over allocations based on the amount of money available in particular areas of need.

The panels made recommendations to the United Way of Martin County board of directors, which gave the final approval on the allocations during its meeting on May 16, 2007. Agencies were then informed of the level of funding for their programs for the coming year.

The 2006-07 United Way of Martin County campaign raised about $2.2 million, meeting its goal for the year. Of that total, about $100,000 is set aside for unfulfilled pledges. About 15 percent is used by United Way of Martin County for management, fund-raising and general expenses. The balance will support community-based research, planning and impact initiatives. This has included involvement in the Earned Income Tax Credit program, the Shared Services Network mobilization to reduce youth substance abuse, Pre-natal Care Task Force and other community services.

For more information about United Way, call (772) 283-4800 or visit www.unitedwaymartincounty.org.

The following chart shows the distribution of United Way of Martin County funds in categories of service.

Allocations:

Core Services
Crisis & Basic Needs                                   $240,800
Children & Youth                                        $157,050
Special Needs Populations                           $88,093
Care for the Elderly                                    $87,000
Volunteer Projects                                      $110,000

Prevention and Development Services
Youth Prevention Programs                         $198,400
Strengthening Families                               $116,324

Community Impact Initiatives                      $80,659

Special Grants                                           $14,720

Total Allocations:                                    $1,093,046

Donor Designations:                                $487,011

Total Support:                                          $1,580,057

Explanation of table

Allocations: This area represents the heart of the United Way system. It represents contributions made to the Community Impact Fund, which addresses Martin County’s most pressing needs. Programs in this area go through a rigorous application and review process, assuring that donors’ investments get results.

Designations: This area represents donations that have been designated strictly to a particular charity or program rather than the overall Community Impact Fund. Designations count toward the annual campaign, and the vast majority were for United Way-affiliated agencies and programs. Nevertheless, designations reduce the amount that can be allocated through United Way’s Community Impact Fund.