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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 workplace 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 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 need fund was created in 2008 by Foundation for the Carolinas to help charities with the growing winter needs brought on by the economic downturn. In its first winter, the fund raised $2.7 million, including $1 million from the Leon Levine Foundation.
United Way launched the fund for its fourth winter last month, and did not set a goal. However, agency officials predicted it would likely raise between $160,000 and $300,000.
If no additional dollars are received after the money has been awarded, this could mark the final grant cycle for the year, Marstall said.
