Fresh from exceeding its fundraising goal for 2012, the United Way of Moore County is ready to give it all away.

The United Way is in the process of determining how it will divide the $595,129 raised. Nineteen nonprofit organizations have requested funding from the United Way. The funds will be awarded in early June, said Linda Pearson, executive director of the United Way.

Community volunteers are visiting organizations that applied for funds. Over the next few weeks, representatives from those organizations will make presentations to the volunteer panels, stating their cases for funding.

Once the pannel makes its recommendations, they will be reviewed for final approval by the United Way of Moore County board of directors. The directors will make the final funding recommendations.

"There is a lot of work that goes into it," Pearson said. "The decisions are not taken lightly because we don't raise as much money as they ask for."

Pearson said the community panels play an important role to everything the United Way does.

"We are fortunate to have such committed volunteers who truly understand the importance of the decisions they recommend," Pearson said.

George and Wanda Little served as the chairs of the 2012 campaign. The goal was $590,000.

Since 1998, the earliest records available, the United Way of Moore County, has raised more than $9 million to help support nonprofit organizations in the community.

And though the 2012 campaign is wrapping up, Pearson said preparations are underway on the 2013 campaign. Contributions should be mailed to: United Way of Moore County, P.O. Box 207, Southern Pines, 28388, or visit www.theunitedwaymoore.com.

Contact Tom Embrey at (910) 693-2484 or tembrey@thepilot.com.