United Way of Cumberland County 22 Maiden Lane              
Fayetteville, NC 27546
Tel 910.483.1179
www.unitedway-cc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Amy Navejas, Executive Director/CEO

February 3, 2023	(910) 483-1179 ext. 222
director@unitedway-cc.org

United Way of Cumberland County Now Accepting Grant Applications for Youth Growth Stock Trust Funding to Benefit Cumberland County Youth
United Way of Cumberland County is now accepting applications for its Youth Growth Stock Trust (YGST) grant funding.  Every spring, the YGST provides grants to local programs, initiatives and scholarships that specifically benefit Cumberland County youth. 
Cumberland County schools and local nonprofit organizations are eligible to submit Request for Funding Proposals for their programs that help youth in Cumberland County. Last year, 15 local non-profit programs and 24 local public schools were the recipients. 2022 awards totaled $325,000.
United Way of Cumberland County Executive Director and CEO, Amy Navejas stated “The YGST is a great example of the lasting legacy one person can have on their community.  Mr. Short’s passion, generosity and foresight has led to millions of dollars in impact and lives changed.  We are grateful to be entrusted with this mission and look forward to reviewing the creative applications received this year!”
United Way of Cumberland County Board Chair, Dr. Jane Fields, was a close friend of Mr. Short.  "Mr. Short was a selfless leader who was passionate about education. His main mission in life was to provide enriched educational opportunities for students in our community, and I know he would be extremely proud that his hard work and generosity continues to positively impact young people."
Applications are available online at www.unitedway-cc.org.  The grant application deadline is March 31, 2023.  Funding decisions will be announced by early May 2023.
About the Youth Growth Stock Trust (YGST)
The Youth Growth Stock Trust was established in 1992 due to the late Robert Short’s concern for the
well-being of local youth. A motivated businessman and self-taught investor who left high school to help support his family at the age of 16, Mr. Short wanted to provide opportunities to youth that he lacked growing up.  His passion for the community and support of the United Way led him to create the YGST, where his funds will make a lasting impact every year.
United Way of Cumberland County serves as the Trust Beneficiary and income from the YGST is awarded once a year to programs that support local youth needs. 
A United Way of Cumberland County YGST Grants Committee will review applications and make recommendations for funding to the United Way of Cumberland County Board of Directors. 
The YGST is wholly separate from the United Way’s campaign funds, expanding the impact. 
May 11th would have been Mr. Short’s 102nd birthday. We celebrate by reflecting on his lasting legacy and over $5 million in grants to our community's youth!
About United Way
United Way improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good. United Way of Cumberland County strives to make positive impact by focusing on the building blocks for a good life: education, financial stability, health and critical basic needs. At United Way, we recognize that lasting changes are achieved by addressing the underlying causes of problems. United Way partners with other nonprofit agencies to improve lives right here in Cumberland County. Give. Advocate. Volunteer. LIVE UNITED.

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