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 service planning process in 2007. Over 200 community leaders who were involved with the initial plan development and subsequent updates 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 planning process addresses both current needs and root causes of community conditions. The “safety net” is embedded in the community vision and outcomes identified. It is an integral part of the Community Solutions Plan.
Was there a predetermined number of organizations or programs United Way would fund?
A. No, there was not a predetermined number of organizations or programs United Way would fund. However, the Board established a funding range for each of the four outcome areas based on United Way’s funding history and needs identified in the Community Solutions Plan.
How many funding applications were there?
A. United Way received applications from a total of 30 agencies proposing 56 programs.
Were there minimum eligibility requirements organizations had 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 outcomes, as outlined in the Community Solutions Plan and as 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 will be accepted.
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. These individuals have been actively involved with the Community Solutions planning and implementation process, 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.
Were agencies currently funded by United Way given a priority or preference?
A. Organizations that previously operated successful programs funded by United Way were recognized during the application evaluation process.
How many agencies and program were funded?
A. 39 programs provided by 23 agencies were awarded funding through this year’s competitive funding process. Because we received more program applications than we were able to fund, difficult decisions were necessary.
How was the size of each funding award determined?
A. The size of each award was based on the program scope, design and overall program cost effectiveness. The minimum amount is $10,000. Funded programs will receive a total of $1,455,144 in Community Solutions funding for the 7/1/10 to 6/30/11 program year. These 23 agencies will also receive an additional $401,341 through donor designations. An additional $1,306,546 will be distributed to other local not-for-profits. $546,929 will be used by United Way for the services it provides. The total distribution to community programs and services from the 2009-2010 campaign is $3,709,960.
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.
(Printable FAQ)
Funding Distribution
(Printable Distribution of Funds)