EASLEY — With an economy that’s been slow to rebound from recession, and with winter months fast approaching, some local non-profit agencies may be wondering how they’re going to help others in the coming year while still making ends meet.

Official with United Way of Pickens County want to help, and that agency is now accepting applications from agencies that are currently not funded by United Way for consideration in United Way’s allocation and investment process for fiscal year 2010-2011, according to a United Way of Pickens County release.

In order to apply for United Way assistance, officials with non-profit organizations must attend United Way of Pickens County’s partner precertification meeting.

That meeting will be held from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 at the W.A. Carr Center in Easley’s West End Hall, located at 135 Folger Avenue.

Agencies must also submit a pre-certification application demonstrating the agency’s ability to operate its programs under the United Way’s highest standards of quality and integrity.

Any agency incorporated as a non-profit, and tax exempt under IRS Code 501(c) 3, is eligible to apply for United Way funding.

After the pre-certification meeting, and after applications are submitted, agencies will then be allowed to apply certification as a United Way-compliant organization.

Agencies then deemed funding-eligible will be allowed to apply for funding under two categories.

The first category, Education and Youth Development, targets agencies wishing to address school readiness, academic achievement, involved families and engaging young citizens.

The second category, Financial Stability, is for agencies wishing to promote employment security and financial independence by offering programs such as job training and employment connections, financial literacy and employment preparedness and preparing young adults for financial stability.

This process of applying for aid represents a new approach for United Way of Pickens County, and United Way chapters across the country, regarding how they offer assistance to partner agencies.

The Pickens County chapter is joining with 1,300 other United Way chapters in charting a new course in community involvement.

The new Community Impact initiative aims to pair United Way and its resources with local communities by meeting with local leaders and volunteers to identify urgent community needs and then working to meet those needs.

The precertification process aims to help United Way and community leaders more readily identify those needs, the release said.

For information regarding the pre-certification process or further details about United Way’s impact transition, please contact Heather Love at (864) 850-7094, Ext. 106.