United Way Announces Agencies Receiving Funding in 2024

United Way of Effingham County has announced the agencies that will receive funding from the 2024 campaign.

20 agencies will receive funding. Two new agencies were granted funding. Those are Effingham Imagination Library and Friends of Camp Wassatoga. Two agencies who received funding from the previous campaign declined to re-apply, as they felt their programs could operate without support from United Way for 2024. Those are Illinois Deer Donation Program and Heartland Human Services.

The 20 local partner agencies that will receive funding from the 2024 Campaign include: Altamont After School Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters (Mid-Illinois), Boy Scouts (Effingham County Troops), Friends of Camp Wassatoga, Catholic Charities, Meals on Wheels of CEFS, Child Advocacy Center of East Central Illinois, Effingham Child Development Center, El Shaddai Homes, Enduring Freedom Ministries, Family Mental Health Support, Effingham County FISH Human Services, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (Effingham Troops), Effingham Imagination Library, One Hope United, SAFE (Sexual Abuse and Family Emergencies), Senior Services of Effingham County, STAR (Strategic Training and Restoration), SWAN (Stopping Woman Abuse Now), and Unit 40 Mentoring Program.

United Way of Effingham County Chief Professional Officer Emily Hille said, "The week of grant presentations is truly my favorite week of the year for United Way. It reminds us that the efforts we're giving are supporting the increasing needs of health and human services within our own county. It's easy to look past the needs that your friends, family and neighbors may have. Hearing how our partner agencies are assisting our community members really gives us the drive to raise as many funds as we can for these organizations."

Various local non-profit organizations with a 501c3 certificate made presentations to request funding. The presentations consist of information about the organization, who they serve and what their funding is needed for within their organization. The United Way of Effingham County Grants Committee determined what agencies receive funding based on the ongoing needs within Effingham County.

The 2024 Campaign Goal has been set at $300,000. These funds will be raised by local donors, employee campaigns held at local businesses, fundraising events and more. The next fundraiser will be held on July 11 at Tuscan Hills Winery. A comedy show will be presented by comedian Nick Hoff, supported by Effingham Comedy. Watch United Way social media for details and tickets.

For more information about United Way of Effingham County and the 20 local partner agencies, visit www.effinghamunitedway.org or contact the United Way office at 217-342-3824.