The Lycoming County United Way announced Wednesday its allocations of $921,815 to human services programs in Lycoming County - about $2,000 more than last year despite its challenging campaign last fall.
The organization raised $1,367,445 million of its $1.5 million goal during its campaign.
"Each year, contributors to the campaign entrust us with their dollars to distribute them in a manner that will do the most good within our Lycoming County community," said Tom O'Connell, volunteer chairman of the funds distribution committee. "Once again, the volunteers charged with this difficult task of allocating limited resources did a tremendous job, especially considering the current economic climate."
The allocations will be distributed to the various programs monthly beginning in July, O'Connell said.
Beginning in late April, 60 volunteers, divided among five community needs panels, met with representatives of service providers, the organization said, and each program was evaluated for its efficiency of operation, financial accountability and impact within the community.
The board of directors approved the recommendations of the panel at its May meeting, according to the organization.
This year has seen the smoothest panel review in producing and verifying the amounts allocated, according to Scott N. Lowery, executive director.
"The various programs we fund are all providing valuable services to the residents of Lycoming County, but it is impossible to meet 100 percent of each request," O'Connell said. "I continue to be impressed with the volunteers' thoroughness and thoughtfulness when evaluating the programs. They understand they represent the thousands of individuals who generously donate to United Way and they take the responsibility seriously to effectively put those dollars into positive action."
Joanne Ludwikowski, president of the board of directors, said the board understands the complex needs of the community, and it strives to provide the most effective funding to address those needs.
"We strive to get to the heart of problems and create lasting change," Ludwikowski said. "We very carefully consider how to best invest our donors' money in progressive programs to address the county's issues."
Lowery said the remainder of this year's campaign totals, after taking into consideration pledge losses, will go toward grants, non-affiliated United Way programs, and administrative and fundraising costs.
