After agencies went through an extensive application process, the United Way of Freeborn County has determined its 2013 goal.

Executive Director Ann Austin said the goal, which United Way official call the “need,” reflects the funding that will be given to 29 programs in 16 agencies. The total goal is $660,000, and the fundraising campaign starts in September.

“We encourage agencies to think about who best to serve,” Austin said.

Volunteers help agencies with problem-solving and by giving suggestions. Helping agencies collaborate with other available services is important as well so that the United Way isn’t funding duplicitous programs, Austin said.

“People are convening around a common vision,” Austin said.

Agencies applied for funding in April and the United Way’s allocations committee met to go over the applications and determine which programs are the most impactful.

New this year is funding for Healthy Families, which is a voluntary program that helps families receive support who have children under kindergarten age. It connects families to resources in the area, and its goal is to give children a safe environment to grow up in. It addresses basic care, health, nutrition, safety, play, parenting concerns and much more to build healthy parent-child relationships. In 2011 the Healthy Families program served 158 families.

For 2012, United Way funds supported 19 agencies that are responsible for 33 programs. Some of those programs and agencies didn’t apply for funding in 2013. Previous goals were $661,000 for 2012 and $650,000 for 2011.

Funding changes as programs change, too. Results from programs are measured, and applicants for funding are aware that funding changes as community needs change.