The United Way of Prince Edward County recently celebrated having raised more than $40,000 to distribute to partner organizations.

According to a press release, the group continues to seek donations to bring it closer to a fundraising goal of $50,000. Donations can be made online through www.uwprinceedward.org.

“It’s been a tougher year,” said Rucker Snead, the group’s president, in a press release. “We’re still working toward our goal.”

“As it stands, the group may benefit from two more fundraisers, both undertaken by Hampden-Sydney College (H-SC) students,” officials said in the release.

Sandy Cooke, director of student affairs operations and civic engagement at H-SC, said students will donate a portion of Greek Week concert ticket sales to the United Way, and 10 fraternities may again sell T-shirts and donate the proceeds. Last year, the effort raised more than $9,000 for United Way.

“I am working on it,” Cooke said in the release. “(I’m keeping) our fingers crossed it will all come together.”

Donations are down nationally for United Way, according to the release, and the nature of fundraising continues to evolve — prompting changes in how funds are raised.

“Snead has said United Way and partners will have to do a better job of coordinating and synchronizing their fundraising efforts. Meanwhile, the board is preparing to accept funding requests from organizations, but is also asking partners to highlight their involvement in health, income stability or education.”

Organizers said the board is also asking partners to begin documenting specifically how the funds United Way provides are used.

“We’re tweaking our focus,” Rhonda Arnold said. “We’re trying to focus our efforts more.”

According to the release, the United Way is the world’s largest privately funded nonprofit, engaging people from all walks of life in nearly 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories.