A total of about $22,000 that is administered through United Way International is going to fund local non-profits providing emergency food and shelter programs.
These are federal grant dollars administered through United Way International so there is no cost to the county or agencies.
As Board President of United Way of Knox Robbie Dunn is charged with forming a board to decide how the money will be disbursed to organizations.
While not naming individuals Dunn said the board will be made up of representatives from United Way, American Red Cross, City of Galesburg and various houses of faith.
Dunn tells WGIL they only can disburse to agencies who meet certain criteria.
“…where they provide emergency food services for people, shelter, things of that nature,” Dunn says. “Last year, for example, FISH food pantry was the recipient of all the money, and I think it actually a little more than what’s being offered this year.”
FISH is the only United Way partner agency that would qualify, but United Way is obligated to open up the funds to non-partner agencies as well.
Normally, Dunn says this process would have had happened 5 or 6 months ago but was delayed because of being without an Executive Director since August.
The deadline for agencies to apply is this Wednesday.
