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Corporate and foundation dollars are lagging, but individuals are giving more this year to the Critical Need Response Fund.
United Way, which manages the fund at no cost, says individual donations through work place campaigns have risen to $141,192 this year, compared to just over $90,000 in 2011. Requests have been made for more corporate and foundation dollars, but no gifts have yet been confirmed, said Dennis Marstall of the United Way.
Meanwhile, charities have until 5 p.m. Friday to apply for money from the fund. It focuses on agencies that provide food, shelter, clothing and warmth during winter months. Information about how to apply is available at www.uwcentralcarolinas.org
So far, four charities have so far applied for a total of $125,000 in grants this year, Marstall said.
A committee will begin reviewing applications from charities next week, and will award grants later this month.
The Critical Needs Fund was created in 2008 by Foundation for the Carolinas to help charities with the growing winter needs brought on by the economic downturn.
United Way did not set a goal this year, but predicted it would likely raise between $160,000 and $300,000. The fund kicked off last month with without the matching dollar grants from foundations that led to multi-million dollar totals in years past.
Officials said if no additional dollars are received, this could mark the final grant cycle for the year.
