Every fall, groups seeking funds submit written proposals to the Belmond Community Chest Board. This board of local volunteers looks through the proposals, discusses the importance of each request, and then divides the money which is distributed early in the year. The requests are adjusted to meet an estimate of how much money the board thinks will be raised in Belmond. Then the fund drive begins. Because the Belmond Community Chest is operated by volunteers, a very high percentage of your gift goes directly to help the 36 groups. Supplies and expenses of the Chest consume only two percent of the total money raised.