The Otsego County Community Foundation and the Otsego County United Way are excited to announce that they are working together on an important project in 2015. The Otsego County Community Foundation has aligned its grant making process to encompass The Otsego United Way’s grant allocation process. This effort to coordinate, and collaborate coincides with the Foundation’s mission: “TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL CITIZENS” and the United Way’s vision of: “A COMMUNITY FOR EVERYONE”.
For several years the Otsego County United Way and the Otsego County Community Foundation have been allocating funds or awarding grants to local nonprofits as a result of a competitive application process that takes place each spring.
“We essentially have been doing the same thing but separately. Even our calendars and our funding priorities are very similar. We both have limited staff time and we know that the organizations applying (many of which apply to both the OCCF and OCUW) also have limited staff. This effort is going to stream line the process for everyone involved.” OCCF Executive Director, Dana Bensinger.
In addition to the applications being reviewed by both organizations, other community giving partners including Rotary and the Otsego County Wildlife Legacy Society will be reviewing the applications to see if any fit their respective missions.
Charitable Organizations having their IRS 501 (c)(3) status, educational organizations and governmental units may apply. The Otsego County Community Foundation and the Otsego County United Way are particularly interested in supporting:
- Programs that solve critical local problems or address critical local needs.
- Projects or programs not adequately being served by existing community resources.
- Projects which provide leverage for generating other funds and community resources.
- Projects which facilitate cooperation and collaboration between organizations.
- Projects or programs that increase the capacity of local organizations.
“This result of working together will enhance the benefit for community nonprofits by simplifying a process and providing a common platform that allows all supporters to understand the needs in our community.” Keith Moore, Executive Director of the Otsego County United Way.
The end result provides the potential for greater giving, and collaboration in meeting community needs.”
Any organization interested in learning more about the application process can visit www.otsegofoundation.org/grant or call the Otsego County United Way at 732-8929 or the Otsego County Community Foundation at 989-731