In the News
Emergency Food and Shelter Program
United Way of North Carolina administers the State Set-Aside funding for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP). The national award of $119,760,000 for FY 2011 reflected a 40.2% reduction from the funding level received in 2010. NC received $369,408 for distribution. With changes in the national funding formula, NC had larger than usual counties in the State Set-Aside mix (Guilford, Wake) who in past years had received direct awards at much greater amounts.
UWNC Administering Disaster Funds
United Way of Wayne County contributed $5,000 and United Way of the Cape Fear Area contributed $10,000 to a disaster relief fund to be administered by UWNC. The fund was set up to provide disaster relief/recovery assistance to fellow United Ways in their efforts to rebuild their communities following the April 16th tornados. Through a brief RFP process, awards were made to United Ways of Lee County, Sampson County, Bladen County and Albemarle Area to help ensure victims/survivors receive help with needs not covered by insurance, FEMA or other state or federal programs.
Many United Ways and their State Associations worked together to mobilize resources to meet the long term needs of residents following the April 2011 tornados. United Way of Central Alabama established a Tornado Disaster Fund and hosted a telethon to support the unmet needs of survivors as they struggle to resume independent lives. UWNC was the recipient of a portion of these funds ($17,653.11) based on our pro-rata share of FEMA awards. Through the same RFP process, awards were made to United Ways of Cumberland County, Harnett County, Lenoir/Greene County, and Greater Triangle for Johnston and Wake counties
United Way of North Carolina again is administering the Governor Perdue Disaster Relief Fund. A disaster relief fund was opened following the April 16th tornados that ravaged 19 North Carolina counties. Another disaster relief fund was activated following Hurricane Irene that impacted 38 North Carolina counties some of which had already experienced damages from the tornado.
The Fund was set up to distribute money to various volunteer organizations that work on long-term recovery efforts, such as the repair and rebuilding of homes. Donated funds are for recovery efforts only, and are not used for administrative purposes.
“Homes, roads, businesses and farms have been damaged and our residents need your help – I’m asking every North Carolinian to remember that even the smallest donation adds up to assist North Carolina families in a big way,” said Gov. Perdue.
The fund is set up through the N.C. Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, housed in the Office of the Governor, in partnership with United Way of North Carolina. All donations are tax-deductible. Checks may be mailed to: N.C. Disaster Relief Fund, 20312 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC, 27612. Credit card donations may be made at: www.ncdisasterrelief.org
UWNC Annual Meeting & Spirit of North Carolina
The UWNC Annual Meeting will be held February 2-3, 2012 at Pinehurst. Spirit of NC applications have been distributed to the United Way network. Two distinct changes were made to the application for the 2011 campaigns: One additional employee size category and one new type of organization (Retail). The awards presentation will continue with two presenters again this year hopefully “starring” our very own Brad Risinger.
United Way Southern Institute Conference
The conference was held June 1-3 in Asheville co-hosted by the United Way State Associations of NC, SC, KY, and TN. The conference had 275 in attendance with 12 sponsors/vendors. Out of 112 responses 60% of those completing the conference evaluations were extremely satisfied with 33% being satisfied. Comments reflect that the conference was a huge success and very well received.