KENNEBUNK — United Way of York County has received upward of $88,000 to help agencies that assist the hungry and homeless. Those nonprofits that wish to apply for a portion of the funding should do so soon, United Way officials say. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, March 24.

The grant was announced March 17.

United Way of York County has been selected to administer the grant from the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program and will provide administrative support for the fund distribution through a local board of community volunteers responsible for making funding decisions.

The funding is intended to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county for expenses incurred from Oct. 1, 2014 through Oct. 31 of this year. The funds are earmarked to provide special emergency assistance for food, shelter, rent, mortgage or utility assistance.

According to Cindy Richards of UWYC, EFSP funds provide assistance over and services already provided by area agencies through their annual budgets.

“The funds cannot be used to make up for budget shortfalls or to replace other funding sources,” explains Vicki Swerdlow, UWYC’s director of administrative operations. “They are intended to assist with economic-related emergencies.”

To be eligible, an organization must be a 501(C)(3) nonprofit or governmental organization; have an accounting system; practice nondiscrimination; have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food or shelter programs, and, if a private voluntary organization, must have a voluntary board.

Richards said completed applications must be received by noon Tuesday, March 24, and be emailed to efsp@buildingcommunity.org or mailed to: Ken Murray, EFSP Board Chair, United Way of York County, PO Box 727, Kennebunk, ME 04043. Applications may be downloaded from www.buildcommunity.org.