Special to IFN

Imagine the collective talents and efforts of Iredell County service groups, united in their mission to make a high-impact difference, taking on the needs of one local agency and transforming its ability to serve and improve the lives of community members.

That vision is now a reality with the organization of Iredell Civic Community United (ICCU), a group of service clubs, churches, corporate volunteers, and other entities dedicated to empowering nonprofits and other organizations, to drive positive change, and to address pressing needs within our communities.

By providing support and assistance through this innovative partnership, ICCU can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families. Together, ICCU can build stronger, more resilient communities for generations to come.

IMAGINE IREDELL UNITED

Imagine Iredell United is a comprehensive program developed by ICCU and designed to support nonprofits and other organizations in completing high impact, vital projects that will in turn benefit the community.

Through financial assistance, mentorship, skilled volunteer services, in-kind hands-on work, and other resources, the Imagine Iredell United program will help equip nonprofit agencies and groups to better serve their target populations, achieve their goals and make a lasting impact on the population they serve.

In early fall each year, nonprofit agencies may apply to the program, presenting their needs and breaking them down into segments per the application guidelines. From there, an Imagine Iredell United committee will review applications and select one recipient’s project to complete over the next year.

Project planning with the agency recipient and the sponsoring service groups will be coordinated by the committee, including the timeframe for work to be accomplished, the materials needed, and the goals for completion.

Once a nonprofit’s project is chosen and fully assessed, the committee will distribute the project segment details to participating ICCU organizations as well as publicly share the opportunity for others to assist, asking the service groups to commit to complete a portion of the total project that fits their talents, abilities, and financial resources.

Group sponsorships can exist in the form of hands-on work done by the group itself (skilled or unskilled), donations of goods needed, funds for purchasing project-based materials, or other assistance as needed in the agency’s project.

Sponsorship and participation by all local ICCU group members is welcomed and encouraged each year but not required.

United Way of Iredell County is serving as ICCU’s fiscal agent. One hundred percent of tax deductible donations to ICCU will go to the Imagine Iredell United project selected each year.

MY SISTER’S HOUSE

In the Imagine Iredell United project’s inaugural year, ICCU civic groups, churches, and corporate volunteers are redecorating and refurbishing the eight family quarters and bathrooms at My Sister’s House, a division of Fifth Street Ministries.

Seven of the rooms are now complete or in progress, each with a unique theme chosen by the group renovating the suites.

The staff have also requested additional landscaping, playground cleanup, storage organization, playroom upgrades, and staff quarters refurbishment if ICCU organizations’ time, volunteers, and resources allow.

BENEFITS

In addition to financial support to complete much-needed projects, the Imagine Iredell United program helps the selected agency network and collaborate with ICCU’s skilled mentors and advisors for guidance as well as opportunities for capacity building and skill development.

Selection by ICCU also raises the recipient agency’s profile and creates greater awareness of its services.

ICCU groups gain an avenue to positively impact their community as well as new opportunities for members to give back within their skillsets. Networking and collaboration with other community service groups and organizations also creates awareness of each project partner’s mission and services, resulting in membership growth as well as recognition and visibility within the community.

INTERESTED?

Civic organizations, churches, corporate or business volunteer groups, service clubs, student-led community service organizations, or other entities interested in joining the ICCU can email iredellciviccommunityunited@gmail.com with the contact info.

For more information, visit the Iredell Civic Community United Facebook page using the QR code below:

DONATIONS

To make a tax deductible donation, text ImagineIredell to 71777 or use the QR code below. United Way of Iredell is serving as ICCU fiscal agent, and 100% of donations will go directly to ICCU’s Imagine Iredell United projects.

NONPROFIT ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE IN AUGUST

Nonprofits and other organizations interested in being selected for the annual Imagine Iredell United project can submit a project proposal during the open application period outlining their objectives, strategies, estimated costs and suggested timeline for completion.

A review committee will assess proposals based on criteria such as community impact, feasibility, sustainability, and alignment with Imagine Iredell United program goals. The committee may request additional information or an onsite visit during the proposal assessment process.

The selected agency will receive support and resources to implement their project(s) effectively over the course of the next six to eight months.

Agencies can apply online from August 15 through September 15 using the QR code below. Agencies can create an account and input demographic info prior to the August 15 application opening if desired.