United Way works with local community leaders and researchers to identify the most pressing needs in our community. Then we bring health and human service experts and volunteers to the table to build goals or outcomes for these areas (like children being ready for school or seniors being able to live independently, for example). In the meantime, United Way determines how much of the annual campaign dollars are available to invest using an outcome-based investment process.
United Way then posts its “call for investment” on its Web site so nonprofit programs can apply for funding from United Way. In order to receive funding, programs go through a vigorous interview and review process by volunteers. Through that same volunteer network, United Way invests in programs that align with the outcomes identified and have some track record of success. After the investment, these programs are monitored quarterly (again, by volunteers) to make sure they are meeting their goals. Results are reported back to the donor in order to make them aware of the impact of their gift.
How does the donated money get invested back into the community? Summary of the Outcome-based Investment volunteer process.
The Community Needs Assessment is a snapshot in time of the current needs in Nashville and how they are being met. Tennessee State University’s Office of Business and Economic Research conducted the most recent research in 2002-03. Their methodology included focus groups, mail surveys, interviews, and secondary research.
Along with other data, UWMN volunteers use the Community Needs Assessment over a four-year investment cycle as they review requests and make funding decisions. Each volunteer is assigned to one of the seven focus areas, each of which targets an area of critical need. (The focus areas are listed below.) The volunteers work closely with health and human service experts and service providers to identify key issues, emerging trends, barriers to success, and solutions they wish to tackle collectively. For example, the Read to Succeed initiative grew out of discussions within the Caring for Children focus area and involves many of the focus area's funded partners.
In addition, each focus area develops its Call for Investment (a request for proposals) before a new investment cycle. Programs apply to a specific focus area and its Call for Investment. These applicant programs go through a rigorous interview and review process by the council’s volunteers. The volunteers invest in those programs whose track record best aligns with the focus area's targeted outcomes. After the investment decision is made, the funded programs are monitored quarterly by the volunteers to make sure they are meeting their projected goals. United Way can use these results to report back to donors about the impact of their gift.
This year, the Community Solutions Councils are investing more than $7.3 million in 169 programs from 74 agencies, including 14 Family Resource Centers:
- Assisting Seniors supports 14 programs in agencies like Alive Hospice and Senior Citizens Inc.
- Caring for Children supports 20 childcare and early intervention programs.
- Helping People in Crisis supports 31 programs providing food boxes, utility assistance, and overnight shelter for homeless individuals and families.
- Neighborhood Initiatives Council supports 40 partnerships in neighborhoods to involve residents in identifying and addressing their own concerns. This includes the network of 14 United Way-supported Family Resource Centers. (*Excluding grants for Family Resource Center coordination and research, Neghborhood Initiatives funds 11 programs.)
- Promoting Health & Healing supports 26 programs that address physical and mental health issues, including child abuse, domestic violence, and substance abuse.
- Supporting Work & Independence supports 33 programs that provide education, employment, and permanent housing for working-aged adults.
- Finally, Strengthening Youth & Families supports 33 programs helping school-aged child and youth develop character and life skills, while boosting their academic abilities. The Council also promotes nurturing home environments.
