The Allocation Process Begins for 2006 Program Funding:
With the community fund drive completed and raising over the goal; the next step is to decide where those dollars will best fit and what can be accomplished with the allocations. Agencies are currently submitting “request for funding packets” to the United Way, for 2006 allocations. Agency packets contain details such as: program information, budgets, community issues being addressed and outcomes specific to their programs.
The United Way allocates dollars through a process using Vision Councils to assess need in 4 different areas. Vision Council areas are: Youth Development; Family/Community Wellness; Emergency Services and Self-sufficiency. Each Vision Council has a minimum of 6 members made up of volunteers and issue-experts for that area. The Vision Councils review the agency’s requests, and make site visits to see the programs functioning.
After the programs are reviewed, the four Vision Councils present their recommendations for funding to the Community Impact Committee. This committee reviews all requests and suggested allocations; then submits their proposal to the United Way Board of Directors for final approval. The Board of Directors approves the allocation disbursements and notifies the agencies which programs will be funded for the next year. This system of review assures donors their gifts are being used effectively and efficiently.