Firm deadline set for funding requests

Directors of the Albany Chest met on Wednesday, Sept. 5, to organize the 2018 fundraising drive, elect four board members, and vote on officers for the upcoming year.

Organizations should turn in funding requests by Friday, Sept. 28, with an absolute deadline of Oct. 3, when the board’s next meeting is set to evaluate the applications and decide on the 2018 fundraising target.

Last year a goal of $40,000 was set, with $39,170 raised, and $45,000 distributed.

Board Elections

Directors who have been on the board for two consecutive three-year terms cycle off according to Chest by-laws, but all four board members whose terms ended this month had only served for one full term or less. 

Sara Wilson had been elected to finish out the final year of Grant Zeller’s term after he moved away last year. Amy Kelly, Tisha Wilkins, and Mindy Skelton had each completed a full three-year term. 

All four were reelected.

Kelly will continue to serve as chair, Donnie Lucas as vice chair and public relations officer, Wilkins as secretary, and Susie Beard as parliamentarian. 

Paige Adair was reappointed as treasurer.

Other directors are Lacey Anderson,  Clint Chapman, Robert Dacus, Keri Hebel, Austin Sherwood, and Susan Montgomery.

Funding Requests

A request form is required to apply for funding, and asks for the same information as in previous years.

“Basically, the form asks a few simple questions requiring brief answers, and then specifies exactly what information we need to make intelligent decisions about how much money to give each organization,” said Lucas.

Forms can be obtained at First National Bank, First Financial Bank, and The Albany News, or can be requested by email at news@thealbanynews.net.

“We just really hope to get all of the information in on time, so we can have it before our next meeting,” said Wilkins. “If we don’t have the forms by the due date, there is a chance that they may not get funded.”

All organizations wishing to receive an allocation from the Albany Chest must submit a written request to the Chest, Lucas emphasized. 

All request letters must be returned to Hebel at First Financial or Adair at First National. 

The board hopes to mail letters to previous Chest donors and new prospects soon after the Oct. 3 meeting to kick off the 2018 campaign.