How Do We Decide?

WHO DECIDES WHERE THE DONORS' DOLLARS GO?

Over 4,800 generous community donors entrust United Way of the Monongalia and Preston Counties to invest funds donated to the Community Impact Fund in health and human service programs across the community. These dollars help nonprofit organizations provide services to those who are most vulnerable. In 2023, United Way invested in 34 programs throughout the community to support services covering health, education, financial stability and basic needs.

Funds raised through the Community Impact Fund are distributed by the Citizens’ Review process. Citizens’ Review is made up of community volunteers who:

  • Think strategically about issues and problem-solve

  • Are interested in data and the support of data-based decision making

  • Have a desire to learn more about the issues and greatest needs facing our community

  • Are invested in UWMPC’s guiding principles of transparency, accountability, partnership and engagement

Volunteers review the applications from programs requesting funding, attend program presentations and come together to make a funding recommendation.

Finally, the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties Board of Directors must approve the funding recommendations. It's a thorough process that includes a lot of community input.

 

HOW'S THE DECISION MADE

Here's something that may come as a surprise: United Way doesn't fund agencies, we fund programs. That "we" includes thousands of individual donors and volunteers, hundreds of companies, labor unions and other organizations who give to the Community Impact Fund.

It involves a comprehensive examination of existing programs and possible new ones. Here are some of the things the Citizens’ Review volunteers consider with each program:

  • Does the program serve individuals or families with limited or no access to food, housing, safety or health because of unmet needs or crisis situations, or those with barriers to academic success, employability or self-sufficiency?

  • The fiscal health and stewardship of the organizations applying for funding

  • Areas of Emphasis:  

    • Enhance efficiencies in service delivery

    • Demonstrate effective collaborations with other organizations

    • Demonstrate measurable impact

    • Incorporate effective prevention strategies

    • Remove barriers to service access

    • Address the integration across UWMPC priority areas (Health, Education, Financial Stability and Basic Needs)