Grant allocations announced; volunteers honored

Thirty-seven programs involving more than 150 collaborating partners will receive $4 million in awards following a six-month volunteer-driven competitive grant review process. The awards fall into two categories, three-year Community Investment grants and one-year Project Innovation grants. Click here for funded projects

In this grant cycle, United Way received 275 proposals totaling over $36 million in requests for funding. This is up significantly from the last grant cycle in 2006, when United Way received 168 proposals requesting $15.8 million. The 275 proposals submitted to United Way represent a total of 447 organizations, as the result of collaboration and partnership agreements.

“We received so many strong proposals that it was extremely hard for our volunteers and staff to make final selections,” said Howard Klink, Vice President of Community Investment. “There is no question that the needs in our community far outweigh available funds.”

Thanks to 60 Vision Council volunteers who gave much of their time to lead the proposal review process. They brought with them a wealth of experience and expertise in health and human services, and represented a broad range of professionals, local leadership and diverse communities. Collectively, volunteers contributed more than 2,175 hours toward the review process. Volunteers were honored at a reception held at United Way of the Columbia-Willamette.