United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN)’s 2024 funding cycle has begun.
Since 1966, UWNEMN has raised funds in the community through employee workplace campaigns, area business giving, and individual contributions to support many local nonprofit organizations. Last year, donations to UWNEMN supported 42 nonprofits including all regional food shelves and libraries with summer reading programs.
To qualify for this funding, applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (or have a fiscal agent) serving people in UWNEMN’s service area which includes the Iron Range, Lake of the Woods County, and Koochiching County, and their program must address a targeted issue within UWNEMN’s newly revised investment plan. Targeted issues fall within one of three focus areas: helping children succeed, empowering healthy lives, and stabilizing families and individuals.
“The funds we are able to provide to local partner agencies not only help them achieve their goals but often enable them to make donations go even further with matching contributions from other sources,” said UWNEMN Community Impact Director Katy Lofquist.
Local donors will have an opportunity to volunteer through UWNEMN’s fund distribution process in March. As panel members, volunteers will interview applicants to learn about the work they are supporting and make recommendations to UWNEMN’s Board of Directors on how funds are allocated for the organization’s 2024 fiscal year which begins in April.
“This fund distribution process is the backbone of UWNEMN’s work,” said UWNEMN Executive Director Erin Shay. “Community members, businesses, and organizations unite their funds and give their input to support so many agencies and programs to fuel a vast network of change.” Those interested in this impactful volunteer opportunity should contact Erin at erin@unitedwaynemn.org.
For more details and/or to apply for 2024 funding, visit www.unitedwaynemn.org/2024-funding.