FARMINGTON — The United Way of the Tri-Valley Area invites nonprofit organizations to apply for 2011 funding. Application materials will be available on Friday, Oct. 29, at the United Way office, or by visiting its website at www.uwtva.org.

The United Way of the Tri-Valley Area annually funds programs offered by nonprofit organizations that serve Franklin County, Livermore and Livermore Falls. The organizations must align with the United Way’s mission to improve people’s lives.

Each organization will go through a thorough review process and will complete both a written application be interviewed by the United Way Allocation Committee, which consists of 14 community volunteers and the United Way executive director and administrative assistant.

Funding applications will be due to the United Way by Friday, Dec. 17. Organizations that have never applied before, or have not applied in the past five years, must first complete a brief eligibility application, which is posted on the United Way website.

In 2010, United Way allocations ranged from $640 to $18,000. The following programs received support: Literacy Volunteers, Rural Community Action Ministry, United Methodist Economic Ministry, Western Maine Transportation Services Inc., Work First, Abused Women’s Advocacy Project, New Beginnings, Sexual Assault Victims Emergency Services.

Also, United Valley American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Franklin County Children’s Task Force, Western Maine Community Action, Community Dental, Healthy Community Coalition, Tri-County Mental Health Services, HealthReach Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and SeniorsPlus. A summary of the impact of the allocations is available online.

In addition, the United Way provided funding for two programs through Venture Grants that support new and innovative initiatives. Early care and education of young children through the Western Maine Center for Children in Carrabassett Valley received a Venture Grant, as did the New Generations program that encourages youth at various levels to gain leadership skills and organize community activities that help better the region.