The 2016 Fund Distribution Committee has completed final recommendations for 2016-2017 impact grant distribution. Sixty individuals from Winchester, Frederick, Clarke and Shenandoah Counties participated in the Fund Distribution panels this year, making their recommendations for impact grant funding. Volunteers represent the contributing public and help to insure that donated funds are well spent. Volunteers work with one another to review five to nine grant applications and recommend monetary levels of support for specified programs that address the human care needs in the community. Thirty-Seven local non-profits requested grant funding for 2016-2017.
Many of the volunteers participated this year for a variety of personal reasons ranging for curiosity, personal investment to social responsibility. One Handley High school student, Alex, articulated the responsibility to his group, describing that it was important to be a part of this process, because there needed to be the voice for the youth in the area.
One longtime volunteer, Kurt Beyreis, has been active in the Community Impact Grant Program since it was established in 2003. Kurt has volunteered his time to work with local agencies who apply for funding as well as to train volunteers about the Impact Grant process. Through his many years of volunteering with United Way NSV he has taken on the role of Chair of the Fund Distribution Committee, and has become an integral part of bringing local volunteers and agencies together.
It is through many local volunteers with diverse backgrounds that Fund Distribution is possible. Thank you to all of the volunteers who completed the process and made the hard decisions on funding for 2016, we couldn't do it without you!
Announcements of impact grant funding amounts will be made in May.