Some Charitable Organizations Could Receive Fewer Donations Under Proposal

All charitable agencies in Mecklenburg County are struggling in the economic turmoil, but it's the smaller ones, like a youth shelter called The Relatives, that are now really worried.

Brennon Graham runs The Relatives, Mecklenburg County's only shelter dedicated to children. The United Way provides $65,000 to its funding.

But now the county's 5,000 employees are being asked if they want to donate to more specific charities, not just the annual United Way and Arts and Science Council campaigns. Graham worries there will be less money to go around to smaller organizations like his.

"I think a lot of times, smaller agencies -- community members don't realize we are the pieces that fit in the bigger gaps," he said.

County commissioners have put two new surveys on their Web site to get feedback about adding new charity campaigns. One survey is for residents and the other for nonprofit groups.

The possible additions may include environmental nonprofits or the American Heart Association, for example.

County Commission Chair Jennifer Roberts said right now, they are just looking for feedback.

"We want to see what our employees feel and what the community in general feels because of the question about public servants, and they are being paid with tax money. Is that a concern? Is that something people fee strongly about?” she said.

SURVEYS: Mecklenburg County Human Resources