Community Investments is your United Way donations hard at work in our community. Each year the volunteers and staff of the Community Investment Team set out to research the best possible options for investing your donations. United Way volunteers and staff, along with various community members have redesigned how this process (formerly allocations or fund distribution) works to create solutions to ensure positive results for the community.
Beginning in July 2002, United Way of Genesee County began the final phase in of the Community Investment Plan approved by the Board of Trustees on April 30, 2001. Time was spent researching best practices, holding planning sessions with national consultants and conducting cluster groups with community members, agencies, United Way volunteers and staff members.
The new plan resulted in United Way investing donations in four focus areas:
- Basic Needs
- Child/Youth Development
- Older Adults
- Strengthening Families
Health and Human Service agencies that deliver services within these four focus areas are eligible to become United Way funded partners. The plan’s emphasis on focus areas has expanded the service network and strengthened United Way’s ability to positively impact the community through improved human conditions and leverage more dollars. The system has:
- Promoted creativity
- Reduced unnecessary duplication of services
- Emphasized collaboration and efficient delivery of services
- Improved accountability to donors
The Community Solutions Funds (discretionary funds) are invested through Request for Proposal (RFPs) and Board Initiatives within the four focus areas. All Genesee County health and human service agencies that are recognized under section 501 (C) 3 of the Internal Revenue Service Code for at least three years are welcome to apply. United Way of Genesee County has found that traditional member agencies have measured up very well under the new system. Donors should note that non-discretionary funds remain unchanged; these include donor designations, combined campaigns and block grant communities. |
