Each year, United Way relies on teams of volunteers from our community to determine how to distribute the donations to United Way among these local programs & services. This vital and rewarding role lets you decide which of our community’s needs are most pressing and which programs will best fulfill these needs.  Community Investment volunteers allocate millions of dollars to local agency programs, but the agencies often require funds beyond the reach of United Way’s resources. The volunteers must decide what programs should be funded and what portion each should receive.

Volunteers work to ensure that United Way donations are spent wisely and well. Agency programs, budgets, and outcomes are studied in detail and weighed with the needs in the community to assure that the safety-net of services continues to build our community.

Tool Two
Agency Presentations
It is important that volunteers get a complete picture, so they tour the agency and get an agency presentation. Agency volunteers and staff members provide answers the committees must have before they make decisions on the following questions.

Tool Three
Needs Assessment Survey
Since community donations should be invested with community opinion in mind, United Way relies on surveys that are conducted every few years.  The surveys ask such questions as:

New this year, the process will take place primarily through online application review, allowing volunteers more efficient use of their time.  Computer access is recommended to make the experience most rewarding.  Computer access will be available at United Way offices for volunteers without home or business access.  Investment team meetings with agencies will only occur where necessary and will occur to finalize program and funding recommendations.

Program outcomes are the major focus of the process with agencies providing the status of outcomes identified for the previous year.

All volunteer participants in the CI process will be required to take the online application review training.  We will notify the confirmed CI volunteer team members of training dates.  Volunteers may indicate a team preference based on your interests, day/time of availability, or you may wish to let us place you where you are most needed.

The Teams are aligned along our Impact Areas:
• Building Successful Children & Families
• Attaining Independence
• Reinforcing our Basic Needs