ST. CLOUD - The United Way of Central Minnesota is dramatically changing the way area non profits - including new ones - will receive funding.

United Way CEO Patrick Powell says they've moved to something called a "Community Impact Model."

This means they've opened up the funding process to any non-profit, and through the application process, the United Way will figure out which ones will make the strongest impact on 5 key areas of community need - early learning, quality time out of school, homelessness, access to food and financial stability.

Powell says the old model routinely funded around 45 programs, but now, new programs and collaborations between different organizations will be encouraged to apply, too. He says the goal is to figure out how to use partnerships to fix pressing community problems over just funding projects.

Pre-applications for funding will be accepted through November 16th and can be found on the United Way's website.

 

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