United Way of Southwest New Mexico Funding Allocations
Press Release - July 1, 2008
The United Way of Southwest New Mexico Allocations Committee was challenged with the task of distributing much needed funds to programs and services within our community at a time when available charitable dollars are being drastically reduced due to the increased daily living expenses of our generous donors.
The Board of Directors understands that with increased economic hardship the need for the programs and services provided by non-profit agencies are more important than ever. As donations were at a record low this past year, the Board made the difficult decision to release the limited reserve funds as well as make significant cuts in operating expenses in order to enable the support of as many programs and services as possible.
This year the United Way of Southwest New Mexico will be allocating approximately $233,000.00 to fund local community programs and services in Dona Ana county. Agencies receiving funding this year to support the vital programs they provide to our community include: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest New Mexico, Bridge Ministries, Candlelighters, Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico, Families & Youth Inc, Family Pride Foundation, Girl Scouts of the Rio Grande, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Jardin de los Ninos, La Casa, La Pinon, Mesilla Valley CASA, Planned Parenthood, Prison Family Services, SER de New Mexico, Southern New Mexico Red Cross, Southern New Mexico Diabetes Outreach, Salvation Army, Yucca Council Boy Scouts of America and YWCA.
Final allocations were based on the following considerations:
- Balanced distribution between programs that provide support in those areas the United Way of Southwest New Mexico has identified as the building blocks for a better life: education, financial stability, and/or health enhancement,
- Emphasis on program vs. administrative costs within the requesting agencies,
- Breadth of community impact by age group as appropriate,
- Impact on Healthy Gente initiatives where appropriate,
- Impact on other stated County objectives.
Current or new program funding levels were then determined by taking into account the following additional information:
- Health Related Public Service Funds already committed by the City of Las Cruces,
- Historical funds provided by United Way,
- Funds already committed via the CFC,
- Net profits expected by the agencies.
The United Way of Southwest New Mexico works to change the current system by serving as the complete resource for all area non-profit agencies and community development programs working in true synergy, consolidating our community resources for a targeted approach to improve lives by focusing on programs addressing the very building blocks for a good life:
1. Education - helping children and youth achieve their full potential through support of programs dedicated to developing quality child care, school readiness, academic completion and personal development.
2. Income - promoting financial stability and independence through support of programs dedicated to developing individuals ability to maximize income, increase savings and build financial assets for long term stability.
3. Health - improving people's health through support of programs dedicated to improving preventative/everyday health care and teen health including being drug- free, at a healthy weight and reducing pregnancy rates.
If you would like additional information about the United Way of Southwest New Mexico or the programs being funded, please contact the United Way office at (575) 524-7561.
For a complete list of programs funded in part by the United Way of Southwest New Mexico please click here.
