CHARLOTTE AMALIE, U.S. Virgin Islands – September 1, 2006 – The United Way of St. Thomas-St. John has announced the allocation of $532,500 to its 13 member agencies in 2007. This comprehensive network of agencies depends on these funds to address critical community needs in the areas of youth development, food and shelter, health crisis and intervention, accessible transportation, advocacy and legal services, and summer youth programs. United Way’s ability to provide these funds to the agencies depends on the success of its 2007 fundraising campaign that officially begins on October 1st.

A committee made up of community volunteers recently completed the allocation process. These volunteers were responsible for an 11-week process that involved evaluating member agencies’ goals, programs and budgets. “The process was a real eye opener,” said Cheryl Charleswell, Co-Chair of the Allocations Committee. “In addition to reviewing the member agencies’ applications, each committee member selected one or two agencies to visit first hand to see the United Way dollars at work. These observations allowed the committee members to determine which agencies were most in need and which programs best met the United Way’s criteria for funding.”

The $532,500 that will be allocated to the 13 member agencies represents a 4% increase over the funding allocated in 2006. The agencies to receive 2007 funding are:

In addition to providing funding to its member agencies, United Way also makes $24,000 available to community organizations through its Venture Grant program. These one-year grants are to support innovative programs that address specific community needs.

Final confirmation of these allocated funds will be made at the completion of the 2007 fundraising campaign that officially begins on October 1, 2006 and runs through January 31, 2007. United Way of St. Thomas-St. John has set an aggressive goal to raise $800,000, almost $50,000 more than the 2006 campaign generated. This increase in funding will allow United Way to continue to provide consistent levels of support to member agencies even as inflation causes their expenses to grow.

The 2007 campaign will build on the momentum that began in 2005 with the theme: “Your Islands, Your Home, Your United Way.” All funds raised here stay here to directly serve the St. Thomas and St. John communities.