PRESQUE ISLE – Area food cupboards and shelters have just a few days left to apply for a new pool of funds that was awarded to Aroostook County under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Food and Shelter program, according to the United Way.

The deadline for contacting the United Way with applications for funding is Dec. 29.

The $47,357 award represents $5,609 more than last year’s funding. The funds will be distributed through an area FEMA board made up of United Way of Aroostook County and other nonprofit charitable organization representatives. The board will determine how the funds received by Aroostook County will be distributed. The board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.

In order to receive aid under the terms of the grant, local governmental or private voluntary organizations must be nonprofit; have an accounting system or fiscal agent approved by the local board; practice nondiscrimination; have demonstrated the capability to deliver food and-or shelter programs; and must have a voluntary board if it is a private voluntary organization.

Qualifying organizations are urged to apply by sending a funding proposal and detailed budget to the United Way of Aroostook office, 650 Main St., PO Box 71, Presque Isle, ME 04769. Proposals must be received by United Way no later than 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29. Requests submitted after Dec. 29 cannot be considered. Applications may be dropped off at the office.

There will be a meeting to review the funding proposals at 9 a.m. Jan. 3 at the United Way of Aroostook office.

For more information contact Claudia Stevens at United Way of Aroostook, at 764-5197.