The United Fund of Cumberland County recently received a $192,000 low-interest loan and $50,000 grant from USDA Rural Development to assist in the renovation and expansion of the United Fund's office on Taylor St. in Crossville.
"This will provide the United Fund and other area nonprofit organizations the necessary space to meet the needs in Cumberland County," said Holly Neal, executive director.
The inside and outside renovation includes a 2,304-square-foot extension to the United Fund offices. The agency moved to the Taylor St. location last year after Wilma Pete bequeathed the United Fund the money to purchase the site.
The United Fund will offer three offices for rent, convert the current kitchen into a break room and add two handicap-accessible restrooms. The carport will be enclosed for office and meeting space. A new entrance will be constructed and the parking area expanded. The project is projected to take 180 days to complete.
Jerry Jolley, acting area director for USDA Rural Development, said, "Cumberland County put forth the effort to diligently and persistently provide cooperation to make this happen. I want to thank everyone for making this happen and want you to thank yourself for what what you are doing."
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Friday to celebrate the project. On hand for the event were U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis, state Rep. Eric Swafford, Cumberland County Mayor Brock Hill, Crossville Mayor J.H. Graham III, and members of the United Fund board of directors.
The United Fund of Cumberland County was created to provide financial support to local nonprofit agencies. Currently, the United Fund supports 36 area agencies. In order to be eligible for support, agencies who have 501(c)3 tax exempt status may submit applications for funding needs. Allocation teams meet with each agency and review needs for the coming year and recommend funding levels to the United Fund volunteer board of directors.
The United Fund reports 89 percent of donations are used to support partner agencies, and the remaining 11 percent is used to educate the community about the services provided by those agencies.
Gifts to the United Fund may be mailed to P.O. Box 467, Crossville, TN 38557. Monthly, quarterly or annual pledges may also be made, and payroll deductions are available through many local businesses.
