Fund Distribution Volunteers are busy reviewing agency programs
When you give to the United Way your gift, combined with the gifts of thousands of other people, it becomes a significant pool of money. Decisions must be made as to how to distribute that pool of money in a way that benefits our community the most.
We have a unique fund distribution and community planning process that calls on volunteers to determine the extent of need in our community and assess each agency and program to verify its ability to provide an effective safety net for individuals and families.
Starting in January, United Way began working with Fund Distribution volunteers to ensure that donor’s charitable contributions are put to good work in the community. Over 50 volunteers have offered to work from January through May to review program budgets, make site visits and finally decide which program should receive funding from United Way and in what amount.
The process started with a review of each agency proposal by the United Way Central Fund Distribution Committee to make sure all required documents were received. In addition United Way’s Financial Review Committee reviewed each agency budget to ensure that their finances were in order. Once those items were reviewed, volunteers started the “real” work, determining which programs best address each of United Way priorities; Meeting Basic Needs, Nurturing Children & Youth, Addressing Diversity, Strengthening Young Children & Families, Supporting Older Adults, Promoting Health & Wellness and Providing Information & Referral.
The programs that receive United Way funding are required to do “Outcome Measurement.” Outcome measurement is a type of evaluation that each program engages in that allows the program to continuously monitor the change in its participants as a result of going through their program. The Fund Distribution teams have the task of understanding, based on data provided by each program, how many of the programs participants achieved the stated program outcome. Although outcome measurement is the primary focus of each teams review, the teams also look at a program’s planning process, inputs, program activities, data collection and evaluation and collaborative efforts.
This is process is very intense and not every program will receive funding. This year, 57 programs have requested $2,236,715. Community Solutions Councils will have approximately $1.5 million to invest, so only those programs that can demonstrate their effectiveness – in addition to all other requirements, will receive funding from United Way.
By the end of May, after many hours of meetings, each team will develop a series of funding recommendations to be taken to the United Way Board of Directors for final approval. It’s not easy, and it is time consuming, but the process is extremely rewarding and United Way knows it provides donors with the assurance that their contributions are spent wisely.
It is only with the help of dedicated corporate and community volunteers like these that your United Way gets to the Heart of What Matters.
Be sure to look at next months’ e-newsletter to find out where those dollars will be allocated.
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