Central New Yorkers pledge nearly $6 million to United Way of Central New York

From the Post Standard.com

The United Way of Central New York has raised nearly $6 million toward its 2010 fundraising goal of $8.2 million.

Frank Lazarski, United Way president, said some area companies that have completed their workplace campaigns raised more money than last year. “On balance we are in a pretty good position to come close or surpass our $8.2 million goal,” he said.

The campaign ends April 13.

The annual campaign has fallen short of its goal for the past two years because of the weak economy. Money raised is used to help nonprofits shelter the homeless, feed the hungry and provide other human services in Onondaga County.

“The need in the community is high,” Lazarski said. “The food pantries and soup kitchens are reporting more people are seeking help, many of them unemployed or underemployed and having trouble making ends meet.”

Friday was the deadline for 42 nonprofits to submit applications for the next three-year United Way funding cycle that begins July 1. Those agencies have already passed a fiscal and management review by the United Way.

The United Way received requests of about $9 million, twice as much money as it will have to give out annually. That means the application process will be very competitive. Some agencies asking for money to fund programs will be rejected or get less money than requested, Lazarski said.

The minimum annual grant is $12,500. Some big agencies get about $200,000 a year.

More than 100 volunteers will review the applications. The United Way will make a decision on the applications in April.

“The process is challenging and rigorous and it needs to be,” said Michael Melara, executive director of Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, a United Way agency. “Those dollars come from generous donors and we want to assure donors they have made a good investment.”

Last year the United Way provided $4.4 million to 39 agencies, $2.7 million to nonprofits designated by donors, about $300,000 to Success By 6 and volunteer programs, and spent about $658,000 on administration and financial management.