It’s another first for the United Way of Bruce Grey.
For the first time in its 11 years of providing grants — the United Way was able to fund every program and agency that requested funding.
All 25 programs that applied received funding — thanks to a record fundraising effort of 580 thousand dollars in 2009.
A cheque presentation ceremony was held at the United Way office in Owen Sound on Wednesday.
Representatives from each of the programs were on hand to accept the grants, and thank the United Way for their support.
United Way Executive Director Francesca Dobbyn says all the agencies who requested funding were a high priority.
She says it’s a great feeling to be able to help them all with core funding.
Dobbyn adds with the grants — the community will be able to access a resource or service when they need it, without the fear of it being shut down.
She says many of the programs have no other funding source, and rely heavily on the United Way to keep programs running.
Melissa Schmidt is the Fund Development Coordinator with the GRACE Riding program in Springmount.
Schmidt says the grant has allowed them to continue to expand their operation so that more challenged youth can ride.
Since the United Way started handing out grants in 1999, more than 1.5 million dollars has been allocated to programs and agencies in Grey Bruce.
Dobbyn says the fundraising goal for 2010 is 600 thousand dollars, the highest amount they have ever hoped to raise.
Dobbyn says there are lots of ways you can help out the cause, including volunteering or making a donation.
