United Way begins allocation process

United Way news

With its 2012 campaign nearly over, the United Way of Van Wert County is now gearing up for the allocation process for the current year.

“The 2012 United Way campaign is almost completely wrapped up,” says RJ Coleman, 2012 campaign chair, adding there are a couple of fundraisers coming up in the spring that would generate some additional revenue to be allocated. “Currently we are at $420,851 or 84 percent of our $500,000 goal; our uncollectible pledges are also lower than we estimated, so those additional funds can also be allocated.”

This year, the allocation process has been changed to a two-step process. A list of required documents, such as a copy of the agency 990, must be submitted to the United Way office by March 7, and prior to the actual program funding request. Program funding requests must be submitted by March 21.

During the months of April and May, the United Way’s Admissions and Review Committee, comprised of local volunteers, meets to study the funding requests. This committee puts in countless hours to make sure all aspects of the request are in order and that United Way funds are utilized to the fullest.  The committee then makes its recommendations to the executive committee and then to the board of trustees in June.  After the June board meeting, the agencies are notified of the funding decisions.

To meet funding guidelines, an entity must be:

• Incorporated, not-for-profit and IRS tax-exempt.
• Offer human service programs.
• Provide community service based on documented need(s).
• Be non-discriminatory.
• Have an active, rotating volunteer leadership that represents the diverse elements of the community.
• Have sound financial and program management.
• Agree to support and cooperate with the United Way in the following areas: (1) fundraising, (2) planning, (3) communications, and (4) allocation process.
• Agree to notify the United Way before engaging in any supplemental fundraising efforts.
• Collaborate with other organizations.
• Measure program effectiveness.

Any organization meeting the admissions guidelines can apply for funding by calling the United Way office at 419.238.6689 to request an application.