For more than 80 years, United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta has served the community by investing millions of dollars in programs that help people lead better lives.

Until now, a limited number of large and small nonprofit organizations like the American Red Cross, Boys and Girls Clubs, Parent to Parent and The Link Counseling Center, were permitted to compete for those dollars. For the first time in more than 10 years, United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta is providing an opportunity for other organizations in metro Atlanta to seek support for their programs.

On Dec. 7, the United Way started making applications for funding available organizations. According to Kweku Forstall, vice president of community investments, organizations must meet the following minimum requirements to be eligible to apply:

· Be a nonprofit tax exempt organization that serves people in at least one of 13 counties, including Fayette.

· Deliver programs that align with United way's goal of building stronger, safer communities by either helping youth succeed, strengthening families, helping people achieve economic self sufficiency, strengthening communities by encouraging citizen involvement or helping to meet basic community needs.

· Utilize genuine community involvement and ownership in designing and delivering the program so that the community served is better equipped to help itself in the future.

"We're searching for results-minded organizations that engage citizens in their work and go beyond strictly providing services," said Forstall. "It could be community-based organization seeking ways to promote economic development in their neighborhood, or a neighborhood church training youth leaders to have a positive impact in their own community. If you have a program that mobilizes citizens for action, directly involves people affected by the issues, increases a community's ability to problem-solve, and is focused on results, we want to hear from you."

For more information, or to request an application, contact United Way 211, United Way's information and referral service, by dialing 2-1-1 or 404-614-1000 from anywhere in metro Atlanta. Staffed by trained referral specialists, United Way 211 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Completed applications must be received by United Way by Jan. 29, 1999 at 5 p.m.