COEUR d'ALENE - It had been looking like a tough financial year for Idaho Drug Free Youth.

"There are so many people trying to get the same grants. The competition has gotten really tough," said Tammy Rubino, executive director of the nonprofit that mentors high school students.

But holding a check for $9,400 on Tuesday from United Way, Rubino touted how much more help the group could provide at schools that can't afford such services.

"Otherwise we would have had to pick and choose which schools (to mentor)," Rubino said. "This will help us to get into all of them."

Grateful stories abounded on Tuesday morning at the United Way 2010 Community Grant Awards and Campaign Celebration, held at the Coeur d'Alene Public Library.

Thanks to a yearlong fundraising campaign by local businesses, United Way of Kootenai County handed out $160,000 in grants to 24 local nonprofits.

"Corporations embrace the campaign. They have internal champions, they're the ones who run with it," said Jean-Paul Dupin, president of the United Way board of directors. "Those are the companies who get behind it and make it a success."

An additional $115,000 in individual donations was also designated to some nonprofits.

Grant recipients included Big Brothers Big Sisters, TESH Inc., Panhandle Autism Society, ElderHelp of North Idaho and Area Agency on Aging.

United Way focused this year on giving to organizations that helped children, seniors, family and community well being and health care access, said Caryl Johnston, executive director of United Way of Kootenai County.

"We are here to facilitate in the community, to be the eyes and ears and address those most pressing issues," Johnston said.

Mike Baker, CEO of the Dirne Community Health Center, said the $27,000 the nonprofit received would go toward hiring a new staff member to counsel low-income individuals with mental illnesses.

"This will help us see more people who don't have anywhere else to go," Baker said.

The Post Falls Food Bank will use its $2,500 to help with buying more food when donations run out, said Executive Director Sherry Wallis.

"When there are vacancies on our shelves, we can produce the foods with these funds," she said.

The grant will also help with basic operations, Wallis added.

"If we don't keep the freezer freezing and the trucks running to go pick up the food, we can't give out any food," she said.

About 120 companies raised funds for the 2010 United Way campaign.

Plaques were given on Tuesday to the 12 companies that raised the most, including Kootenai Health, which brought in more than $35,000, US Bank, which raised $76,000, and Costco, which raised $81,000.

"When you're shopping at Costco and see a United Way pin on a name tag, please say, 'Thank you,'" Johnston said.

Scott Tostengard, vice president of customer service at U.S. Bank, said the company holds fundraisers throughout the year to net in contributions.

"This is one area we could really make an impact and involve all our employees," Tostengard said. "In spite of the economy and tough times, people were very willing to pitch in and contribute."

Johnston also lauded the 50 volunteers who reviewed nonprofits' grant requests.

The review teams face a lengthy process scrutinizing organizations to ensure they are worthy of receiving funds, she said.

"Most gave (volunteered) 2,000 hours in this process," Johnston said. "Lots of donors say 'We give to United Way because we really know you look at these organizations and make sure they're doing what they're supposed to be doing.'"

Kevin Kram, director of Cherished Ones Ministries, said the $1,500 he received will help with just keeping his soup kitchen afloat.

"That's what small nonprofits have a hard time with, getting cash to keep the lights on," Kram said. "This just gives us a hand in keeping us running."

United Way is crucial in helping organizations that deal directly with community members in need, he added.

"Folks who give to United Way, whether they give $1 or $10,000, you have an impact on the front lines," he said.