Nearly 30 community nonprofit agencies will benefit from money raised by the United Way of Natrona County last year, Executive Director Shanna Harris said Thursday.

"Susie McMurry [chairman for the 2007 campaign] worked really hard and a group of volunteers worked really hard," Harris said. "It's all volunteer-driven. It's a pretty amazing process."

Twenty-seven existing partner agencies and three new recipients were awarded portions of the total $1,229,745 allocated. The goal for 2008 is $1.3 million.

Each year, prospective partners meet with a group of 26 United Way volunteers and demonstrate that they need funds to further the work of the agency and benefit the community.

"We don't want to duplicate services," Harris said. "Then we know we only have so much money, so we look at where the need is, where our money can do the most good, and we go from there."

If a fundraising campaign is particularly successful during any year, United Way sometimes finds itself with unallocated funds. The extra money is allocated through special response grants, so nonprofit organizations in Natrona County that aren't necessarily United Way partners can receive funding for special projects or programs.

A reserve fund is also available in case of emergencies. Four months' worth of funding is currently in reserve.

"Our purpose is not to make money," she said. "We don't just raise money and put it in the bank. If we raise extra money, we get it out in the community."

Contact reporter Megan Lee at (307) 266-0589 or megan.lee@trib.com

2008-09 recipients of funds from the United Way of Natrona County

* ARC of Natrona County - $31,500

* Boy Scouts - $30,000

* Boys and Girls Clubs - $71,000

* Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) - $36,000

* Child Development Center - $45,000

* Children's Advocacy Project - $30,000

* Community Based In Home Services - $5,500

* Community Health Center - $50,000

* Five Trails Adult Day Center - $25,000

* Girl Scout Council of Wyoming - $12,000

* Head Start - $40,500

* Health Care for the Homeless - $10,000

* Interfaith - $50,000

* Meals on Wheels - $65,000

* Mercer House - $30,000

* National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) - $5,000

* National Association of Letter Carriers (food drive) - $2,000

* Reach 4 A Star Riding Academy - $23,000

* Red Cross - $50,000

* Renewed Hope Foundation - $5,000

* Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) - $15,000

* Salt Creek Community Recreation Center - $22,150

* Salvation Army - $47,500

* Self Help Center - $60,000

* Seton House - $67,000

* United Way of Natrona County (administrative/operational) - $291,095

* United Services Organization (USO) - $7,000

* Wyoming Senior Citizens, Inc. - $4,500

* Casper Family YMCA - $49,000

* Youth Crisis Center - $45,000