United Way of the Tri-Valley Area established The Hope Fund in 2017 to provide assistance for unmet needs of children in Greater Franklin County. The emphasis of the fund is to remove barriers to enable low-income children to engage in a wide variety of enriching experiences in which they would not otherwise be able to participate.

Since the Hope Fund was established, 364 youth have received funding for a total of more than $37,000, according to a news release.

United Way welcomes applications from both individuals and nonprofits. This month’s deadline is Aug. 31. Learn more and apply at uwtva.org.

The Hope Fund has been transformative, providing many children with their first summer camp experience, their first instrument, or their first fishing, skiing or sports opportunity. Youth have been able to participate in college writing workshops, attend a youth conference and learn to swim. It has positively impacted children with various special needs as well by way of equine therapy, Pine Tree Camp attendance, a weighted blanket, and specialized headphones.

Eight community members make up the Hope Fund Review Committee, which meets monthly to review applications.

The following are criteria for the Hope Fund:

• Applicants can receive funding only once per year and must be younger than 18 or providing services to those younger than 18.

• Agencies, caseworkers, and schools/teachers/guidance counselors are encouraged to apply to the United Way on behalf of the child/client with his or her knowledge. Generally, awards for individuals will not exceed $200 per request.

• Nonprofits can apply for specific programs that benefit children 17 and younger (new as of this summer). The maximum award is $2,000.

• Parents must sign a waiver allowing the Hope Fund committee to review the application and share information with the committee. This form also gives permission for the child to participate in an activity or use equipment if the application is funded.

• Applications are due by the last day of each month and will be reviewed on a monthly basis by the Hope Fund committee the first Thursday of the next month. Funding for individual requests is paid directly to a vendor. Nonprofits will receive payment directly.

Sweatt-Winter Child Care & Early Education Center, the fund’s first nonprofit applicant, received $1,700 to purchase a package from Kinderlabrobotics for the Sweatt-Winter School-Age Program. KIBO robots allow children aged 4-7 to create, design, decorate and bring their own robot to life.

For more information about United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, visit its website or call 207-778-5048. Like United Way on Facebook to be kept up to speed on upcoming programs and initiatives.