The United Way of the Eastern Panhandle is committed to making the best use of the donors' dollars. We always have been and always will be. But the model for determining the best use of those dollars is changing.
Why Change?
In the past, the United Way has been agency focused. Volunteers and the board saw community needs through the lens of many different agencies with different missions. To receive money, an agency often had to demonstrate the extent of a problem or that a problem had grown. For example, one year, an agency might receive $1,000 to feed 100 homeless people. The next year, the agency might ask for $2,000 to feed 200 homeless people, indicating a growing community problem. The problem, rather than the solution, determined how we distributed the limited dollars.
Now, instead of just funding services to meet basic needs, the United Way will also facilitate the development of and invest in strategies that address underlying community conditions.
The Community Solutions Model
By adopting a community solutions model, United Way can be more than just a fundraising organization. As a neutral convener we have the ability to bring the community together to develop solutions and leverage more resources than just donor dollars.
Community problems are extremely difficult to solve and cannot be effectively addressed without strategic coordination. That's because most issues have multiple causes, and many agencies have a single focus. Communities need to build coalitions across multiple stakeholders, including nonprofit organizations, schools systems, the private sector, and government agencies.
The United Way is in a position to provide this leadership. We can work with the community to identify needs, develop collaborative solutions, and invest in those solutions. This is demonstrated through our facilitation of the Health and Human Services Collaborative.
2008 Investment Strategies
To fulfill its role as a true community builder, the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle has redesigned its funding strategies. The traditional method of trying to equitably divide campaign dollars among more than 40 agencies limits our ability to invest in strategies that truly tackle key community issues.
This spring, the United Way will be offering multiple ways for organizations to access funding. Agencies, as well as collaborative partnerships, will be invited to submit proposals for specific and measurable strategies that address identified community goals for thriving children, strong families, and independent seniors.
Additionally, agencies can apply for dollars to help families meet basic needs, such as food, shelter and utilities. For agencies that may not fit within this community solutions model, transitional funding will be available. Also, for the first time, the United Way will set aside dollars for break through opportunities or initiatives that agencies might request anytime during the upcoming year. For donors who want their dollars to go to specific agencies, we will continue to honor their wishes.
This new approach to funds distribution honors all of our donors. Not only are we investing their dollars wisely, we are harnessing the power of collaboration and leveraging new resources to make measurable improvements in our community.
