2010/2011 Funding Decisions
FAQ
What was the rationale behind the selected set of outcomes United Way will fund?
A. Education, health, safety and self-sufficiency were identified as community priorities for Benton and Franklin Counties during a region-wide health and human services planning process in 2007. Over 200 community leaders who were involved with the initial plan development and subsequent updates, as well as others who have joined the Community Solutions process since then, have determined that the plan continues to be relevant for our region. The United Way Board of Directors made the decision to invest funding in the same community priority areas.
United Way used to ensure that it provided for a “safety net” of services for the community. What happened to that philosophy?
A. The Community Solutions Plan addresses both current needs and root causes of community conditions. The “safety net” is embedded in the community vision and outcomes identified in the plan.
How many programs does United Way fund?
A. United Way currently funds 39 programs provided by 22 agencies.
Are there minimum eligibility requirements organizations have to meet to be considered for funding?
A. In order to be eligible for United Way’s Community Solutions Investment Funding, an organization had to meet all of the following criteria:
1. Be a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization;
2. Provide health and human services to residents in Benton and Franklin Counties;
3. Be registered with the Washington State Secretary of State as a charitable organization;
4. Have an active board of directors that meets with a quorum at least quarterly;
5. Have a non-discrimination policy;
6. Certify annual compliance with the U.S. Patriot Act;
7. Have an annual Financial Audit, performed by an external independent auditor who is a certified public accountant, licensed with Washington State and in good standing and conducts the audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, if the organization has gross revenues of $250,000 or more per year; OR have an annual Financial Review, performed by an external independent auditor who is a certified public accountant, licensed with Washington State and in good standing and conducts the review in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, if the organization has gross revenues of less than $250,000 per year, and has not been audited;
8. File a Form 990 with the Internal Revenue Service annually if gross receipts exceed $25,000, or file a Form 990-N Electronic Notice (e-postcard) if gross receipts are at or below $25,000 (unless a 990 or 990-EZ was completed);
9. Provide a copy of most recent balance sheet and income/expense statement reviewed by board of directors;
10. Submit an application that aligns with the outcome outlined in the Community Solutions Plan and targeted for funding by the United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties;
11. Request no less than $10,000 in funds for each year of the two-year program period (7/1/10-6/30/12) specifically for the delivery of services and achievement of outcomes, and not for capital projects. No more than 3 program applications were accepted from an agency.
What other factors were considered during the application review and selection process?
A. Applications were evaluated on organizational governance, financial accountability, program design and responsiveness, program cost effectiveness and relevant experience.
Who reviewed the applications and what was the process?
A. 13 United Way Board members reviewed and rated the applications during Spring of 2010. These individuals have been actively involved with Community Solutions planning and implementation, along with over 200 other community leaders. The review team made their funding recommendations to the Board of Directors after a thoughtful and thorough process that took more than two months to complete. Another review of provider performance occurred during Spring of 2011 to determine continued funding of selected programs.
How was the size of each funding award determined?
A. The original size of each award for the first funding year (7/1/10 – 6/30/11) was based on the program scope, design and overall program cost effectiveness. Funding for the second year (7/1/11 – 6/30/12) was based on provider performance during the first funding year. Funding was also based on the availability of dollars raised during the campaign and the amount not designated by donors and, therefore, available for distribution. Funded programs will receive a total of $1,378,455 in Community Solutions funding for the 7/1/11 to 6/30/12 program year. These 22 agencies will also receive an additional $464,095 through donor designations.
Were additional funds from the 2010 Campaign invested in the Community?
A. Yes, an additional $1,262,027 will be distributed to other local not-for-profits. $648,174 will be used by United Way for the community services it provides. The total invested in community programs and services from the 2010-2011 campaign is $3,752,751.
Is there a way to appeal the funding decisions made by the United Way Board?
A. The funding decisions made by the Board of Directors are final.
What are the services that United Way provides in the community?
A. Community services provided by United Way are not duplicative of services provided by local not-for-profits. They are distinct to United Way and are as follows:
Community Solutions: As the community’s selected facilitator, UWBFC is bringing the community together to work on the most significant health and human service issues as prioritized by many community leaders. This includes the overall facilitation of Community Solutions, and two major initiatives – Our Babies Can’t Wait and Prepared by 20.
Community Investment: UWBFC staff coordinates Board and other volunteer efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of various community health and human service organization programs, determine grant allocation amounts and monitor recipients on an ongoing basis to ensure compliance with program outcomes and proposals.
2-1-1: The 2-1-1 health and human service information telephone and web system is supported by UWBFC staff who provide oversight of this service at both the local and statewide levels. Additionally, staff help promote 2-1-1 through presentations to community organizations and distribution of materials.
Human Care Planning: Staff participate in various community health and human service planning committees and programs such as: Drug Court, Substance Abuse Coalition, Domestic Violence Services, Leadership Tri-Cities, etc.
FEMA/Emergency Food and Shelter Program: UWBFC is the Benton and Franklin Counties facilitator of federal emergency food and shelter funding process.
(Printable FAQ)
Funding Distribution
(Printable Distribution of Funds)