This year, the Greater Valdosta United Way (GVUW) is investing $600,000 into the community thanks to Bruce Williams, a local banker and philanthropist who left an endowment to the organization. Through the creation of the Bruce Williams Legacy Grant, the GVUW is funding the projects of 18 partner nonprofits to assist in their effort to make capital improvements to their operations.

"The Greater Valdosta United Way is thankful for Bruce Williams' lasting impact, and we wanted to honor his legacy by offering a matching grant to assist in funding wish list projects for some of our Impact Partners,” said Michael Smith, CEO of GVUW. The projects range from $20,000 to $100,000 and we are excited to be a part of supporting the needs of Impact Partners and the community members they serve.”

The grant opportunity was split into two phases, each for $300,000, and awards were granted based on the recommendations of a committee comprised of past and current board members and local community leaders. 

“It is important to the integrity of our operations that all major funding decisions at GVUW are community-driven,” said Community Impact Director for GVUW, Susan Nebel. “This allows for fairness, transparency, and oversight. We are thankful to those who volunteer their time to our processes.”

The following Impact Partner Nonprofits were awarded funding through the Bruce Williams Legacy Grant:

Phase 1

Red Cross: BioMed Vehicle

Youth IMPACT Center: Activity Center Upgrades Including AC Units, Paint, and a New Entryway

Children’s Advocacy Center: Pave Parking Lot

Boy Scouts: Five-Stand Shotgun Range

Habitat for Humanity: Box Truck for ReStore

The Haven: Playground at Emergency Shelter

Partnership Health Center: Office Updates and Refrigeration for Medicines

LAMP: Shelter Day Center Upgrades Including Welcome Desk, Work Tables, and Computer Lab

Phase 2 

Miracle League: Sound System and Bleacher Shade Structure

Magnolia House: Training Room for the Justice Center

Camp Rock: Transitional Housing for Youth in Foster Care

Girls on the Run: Curriculum and Season Manipulatives, Marketing Video, and Office Furniture

ACTO: Center Improvements Including Furniture Upgrades and Flooring

Beautiful Creations: Van for Mentoring Program

LARC: Forklift Replacement

Jacobs’ Ladder: Backhoe for Grounds Maintenance

Legacy Behavioral Health: Lowndes Outpatient Clinic Lobby Renovation

Living Bridges: Greenhouse for Community Garden Mental Health Classes

To ensure the preservation of Bruce William's legacy, and to acknowledge his contribution to the community, the grant agreement involves naming rights to the project.

"On behalf of our entire team and the families we serve, we extend our gratitude to Greater Valdosta United Way for the generous award of funds to replace the playground equipment at our domestic violence shelter,” said Executive Director of The Haven Battered Women’s Shelter, Michelle Girtman. “Supporting this project will bring joy and a sense of normalcy to the children in our care, providing them with a safe space to play and heal. Thank you for making a positive impact in our community through the Bruce Williams Legacy Foundation."

Each project is set to be completed by December 2024.

The mission of Greater Valdosta United Way is to improve people’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community. The focus is on advancing the common good by investing in education, income, and health- the building blocks for a good quality of life and a strong community. For more information on the organization and the Bruce Williams Legacy Grant, please visit its website at gvuw.org