The University is donating money it received from the Big Ten-Penn State settlement to local child abuse prevention programs.

The University will give the $188,000 it received to the United Way of Champaign County, a group that helps coordinates fundraising and volunteer efforts on behalf of other community organizations. The University received the money after former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky was convicted of sexually abusing children.

United Way will provide about $44,000 to four local organizations: the Child Advocacy Center of Champaign County, the Court Appointed Special Advocate program, Crisis Nursery, and the Rape Advocacy Counseling and Education program. United Way is also setting aside $10,000 for those four groups to work with it to provide a program that focuses on education and awareness.

“All of these organizations serve a critical need in our community – protecting children – and the money will be used to enhance or expand their services,” Chancellor Phyllis Wise said in a press release. “The settlement is the result of a tragedy, but the hope is these gifts will serve a positive purpose and change people’s lives.”

United Way is responsible for monitoring how the money is spent and reporting back to the University.