After raising more money last year than it had planned on, the United Way of Freeborn County has announced the formation of one-time grants for nonprofit organizations throughout the county.

The grants will help fulfill the United Way’s mission of “advancing the common good for Freeborn County through giving, advocating and volunteering,” by funding programs and creating opportunities for a good life for local residents.

Executive Director Dave Bonnerup said the organization has about $10,000 to give away in grants.

The community impact grants will be offered in 2008 for nonprofit organizations that focus on at least one of three areas: education, income or health.

Grants ranging from $100 to $5,000 will be considered.

“It’s a pretty neat thing that the board’s doing as far as sending the money out,” Bonnerup said. “Some years we run short and have to make cutbacks. This year we didn’t, and we’re giving it back to the community.”

To be eligible, an organization must be a nonprofit organization or a program of a governmental agency. It must operate on a non-discriminatory basis in employment, recruitment of volunteers and delivery of services. Lastly, it must provide a service within Freeborn County.

Funds must be used solely for the granted purpose and will be approved by the United Way’s board of directors.

“The amount of any grant will depend upon individual program requests and the need as determined by the board of directors of the United Way of Freeborn County,” a news release stated.

Interested organizations can get an application on www.unitedwayfc.org/live-united/.

The applications should be sent to the United Way of Freeborn County, 341 S. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea, MN 56007.

Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on July 31.

The Allocation Committee will review finalists on Sept. 9 and then submit a recommendation for funding recipients and amounts to the board of directors.