United Way Decisions on Mini-Grants

February 19th, 2014

Fulton, NY – In accordance with its mission of raising awareness of human needs in Oswego County and supporting solutions to address those needs, United Way of Greater Oswego County offered a limited number of mini-grant funding opportunities for community organizations in Oswego County that reflect the agency?s mission and its five funding categories; Emergency Services, Health and Special Needs, Supporting Families and Children, Youth Development, and Senior Services.

In November 2013, Melanie Trexler, executive director of United Way of Greater Oswego County explained that the mini-grants are for not-for-profits serving Oswego County. ?Organizations that wish to apply for a mini-grant must submit a brief narrative that includes; a description of the project and proposed activities, its goals, who it will serve and how it will benefit those served. The project must also have clear, measurable goals and a defined beginning and end. Applicants are also encouraged to partner with other community organizations on the project,? said Trexler.

13 grants were submitted and reviewed by the United Way Executive Committee on December 12, 2013. The total allocated for 7 Mini-grants was $5,000.
Grant totals and non-profit projects:
Aurora of CNY $640.00 for the Oswego County Visually Impaired, a transportation fund to assist members to attend monthly social/networking outings for the purpose of peer support and socialization.
Children’s Museum $675.00 for the Power of Produce, to launch a POP club to provide interactive and educational activities to promote healthy eating and lifestyles for our community youth.
Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways $950.00 for College Life 101, a program that exposes at risk teen girls in Oswego County to a collegiate environment and provides beneficial experience and advice from academic staff and students.
Integrative Community Planning of Os. Co. $1000.00, Tobacco Free Baby and Me, a program specific to women who are pregnant or parenting young children, providing diaper incentives for participants with negative nicotine testing.
Move Along, Inc. $1000.00 for Inclusive Sports Training, to raise the general awareness to similarity/inclusive sports options for both disabled and able bodied participants in Os. Co.
Oswego Industries $385.00 for Put Your Best Foot Forward, to develop an empowering strategy that focuses on the health and wellness for intellectual and developmental disabled individuals living in Os. Co. (pedometers)
Oswego County Search and Rescue Team $350.00 for Project Lifesaver, bracelet for one potentially vulnerable adult who is at risk of wandering due to dementia. Clients are identified through the Office of Aging and The Alzheimer’s Support Group.