United Way of Indian River County distributes more than $788,000 to nonprofits throughout the county
VERO BEACH, July 27, 2021 – The United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) this week announced $788,112 in funding community programs. Fifteen agencies have received funding in the Education impact area. The awards run from July 2021 through June 2023 in a two-year cycle.
Funds for community partners are raised during United Way of Indian River County’s annual campaign to support three impact areas: health, education, and financial stability. Each grant is awards based on the annual campaign total, goals of UWIRC, and the needs of the community.
UWIRC’s 2021-2023 community goals include:
- To increase to 85% the children who enter Kindergarten ready to succeed
- To increase to 90% of 3rd Graders who are performing on grade Level and increase their positive behaviors
- To increase to 90% the students who graduate on time from High School
To be considered for funding, community partners must submit an application, report measurable outcomes quarterly, and focus on particular communities or neighborhoods with the most need.
All agencies made presentations via Zoom during the Citizens Review Process, where volunteer funding panels make recommendations to the UWIRC Board of Directors based on how well the agencies addressed United Way’s funding priorities.
“We have a great group of dedicated volunteers who take their responsibilities very seriously. They review a significant amount of due diligence information to help them understand where the biggest health, education, and financial stability needs are in our community,” said Nate Bruckner, Director of Community Impact. “At the end of the day, it is our volunteers and donors that decide how dollars are divided and who gets funded.”
In total, nearly $1.9 million dollars was allocated to 36 local nonprofits for the 2021-2022 year. Last year’s funding was aimed toward programs with a focus on financial stability and health. In April 2022, nonprofits will have the opportunity to apply for funding in the financial stability and health impact area.
Education Funded Partner Agencies
Big Brothers Big Sisters of IRC
Boys & Girls Club of IRC
Childcare Resources of Indian River
Children’s Home Society of Treasure Coast
Crossover Mission
Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin, and Okeechobee Counties
Economic Opportunities Council
Education Foundation of Indian River County
Environmental Learning Center
Gifford Youth Achievement Center
Hibiscus Children’s Center
IRC Healthy Start Coalition
Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA)
The Learning Alliance
Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy
For a complete list of funded partners, please visit our website at www.UnitedWayIRC.org. If you would like to learn more about being a funded partner or joining our Citizens Review Panel, please contact Stacey Benezra at Stacey.Benezra@UnitedWayIRC.org or (772) 567-8900, ext. 120.
About United Way of Indian River County
United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every community member. United Way works with local programs to provide resources to individuals and families in crisis today, while working year-round to improve community conditions and create lasting solutions. We are effectively building a strong foundation and improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. For more information about your local United Way, please call (772) 567-8900 or visit our website, UnitedWayIRC.org.