2011 Funding Decisions
Just weeks after completing 2010’s Community Impact Process, United Way of North Central Iowa has announced their 2011-2012 funding decisions. The Community Impact process was led by Jere Merrill and Dave Patrick of Principal Financial Group, Mike Castle of Northwestern Mutual, and Craig Miller of First Citizens National Bank. These leaders, along with the United Way Board of Directors, helped to guide nearly 50 volunteers in reviewing and assessing funding applications. Community Impact volunteer groups were comprised of innovative thinkers from business, education, and the healthcare industry.
United Way of North Central Iowa is moving from an annual cycle of funding agency program outcomes to a system of funding outcomes based on United Way established criteria. The criterion was established through two years of feedback from community members, industry experts, and the non-profit arena, and is based on making an impact in the areas of Education, Income, and Health. United Way believes all individuals need a quality education that leads to a stable job, with enough income to support a family and good health. The organization’s theory about how to create changes of this magnitude begins with declaring bold goals that focus on the basic foundation for people to have a good life. United Way funding decisions are based on building that foundation.
The outcomes that were determined by the Community Impact Teams were identified as the most pivotal in creating long-lasting change in north central Iowa . These outcomes are the results that the Community Impact Teams want to see in Butler, Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Franklin , Hancock, Kossuth, Mitchell, Worth, and Winnebago counties. All applying organizations or collaboratives explained how their strategic programs would achieve these results, and how they would measure to know whether or not they’re achieving success.
“There are so many programs in north central Iowa doing wonderful things for our community; however, in order for United Way of North Central Iowa to really create lasting solutions - we have to focus on our highest priorities within Education, Income, and Health” says Jere Merrill, Community Impact Co-Chair. “Programs have two major responsibilities; the first is to produce the best possible performance for their specific service. The second is to drive change in the community as a whole, and that takes partnering and collaboration. That is what we are looking for.”
The volunteers analyzed the program structure and outcome logic model that illustrates how the program will achieve their results. Then the Community Impact volunteer group prioritized the programs by those that would most efficiently and effectively reach their applying outcome. Nearly 800 hours of volunteer hours later, the process was complete, and the difficult funding decisions were made.
“We are extremely fortunate to have a wonderful group of volunteers that are so dedicated to the process of making sure the dollars entrusted to United Way are truly making a difference in the lives of north central Iowans,” said Dave Patrick, Community Impact Co-Chair.
“These programs will generate outcomes that will bring progress to light. We are so proud to be a part of this change and are committed to creating community solutions that change lives in north central Iowa ” says Jennifer Kammeyer, Chief Professional Officer, United Way of North Central Iowa.
In addition to the annual allocations, the United Way Board of Directors also has set aside $50,977 which is 5% of the campaign to fund Venture Grants. A Venture Grant is a means for United Way of North Central Iowa to provide funding for identified community problems not funded through the United Way Community Impact Allocation Process, to encourage the development of new innovative social services programs, or to fund unanticipated demands for basic need services all with the same priority areas of Education, Income and Health. Applications for those grants are accepted all year long and are reviewed once per month by the United Way Board of Directors.
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