Kendrick Meekins of Timken-Gaffney Bearing Plant presents a $75,000 check from The Timken Foundation of Canton, Ohio, to Libbie Cheek from United Way of the Piedmont. United Way of the Piedmont received $75,000 from The Timken Foundation of Canton, Ohio, for technology grants to benefit Cherokee and Union County agencies.

Non-profit organizations, by their nature, focus most of their resources on the clients they serve and the services they provide. Often, particularly during difficult economic times, agencies divert operational dollars toward programmatic costs to avoid reducing the quality or quantity of services they offer, thereby decreasing the level of technology dollars available.

In an effort to provide capacity to address this technological void, United Way of the Piedmont sought and received a $75,000 grant from The Timken Foundation.

Approximately 20 small technology grants will be provided to health and human service organizations providing services in Cherokee and/or Union counties of South Carolina, where Timken has large facilities. Any health and human service non-profit organization with primary or significant operation in Cherokee or Union counties may submit a proposal.

This funding is intended for one-time technology purchases/investments that will enhance an organization’s ability to provide programming to the community. Potential proposals may include but will not be limited to: desktop or laptop computers; projection equipment; website development; or wireless networking.

Mark Propst, Plant Manager of The Timken Company Gaffney Plant who represents The Timken Foundation, commented, “We’re happy to partner with United Way of the Piedmont to help enhance the level of services available to Cherokee and Union residents. The Timken Company along with The Timken Foundation view corporate citizenship as a fundamental responsibility in the communities where we operate.”