How dollars are distributed

A specially trained team of volunteers assesses agencies, looks at outcomes and, guided by the priorities and criteria set by the Board of Directors, ultimately decides which programs and services receive funding and to what level. Over the course of a five-week period, volunteers study community priorities, review requests for funding and meet with representatives of each agency.

United Way directs donations to meeting the community's most urgent human service needs. Services that meet the needs of high-risk groups, particularly people in poverty, are the highest priority, given the limited resources available. Funding priority is given to organizations that:

• Meet United Way funding criteria set by United Way Board of Directors
• Meet a clearly defined need
• Collaborate with other groups in the community to achieve optimum efficiency
• Have outcome measures for each funded service and demonstrate the results achieved
• Serve and reflect the diverse population in our communities
• Serve both Middlesex County and London residents
• Use resources wisely and present clear financial reports
• Focus on prevention
• Are neighbourhood-based and involve local residents in their design or delivery
• Demonstrate creative responses to the continuing economic and social changes affecting social services in our community
• Encourage and support volunteerism in governance, planning and service delivery

United Way requires agencies to report specific outcomes in their submission for funding each year. We also require a six-month review of all agencies outlining their progress to date. Community services staff monitor funded agencies year-round, keep informed of changes in service delivery and assist agency staff and volunteers with challenges or problems.

If you have any questions about the allocations process, please contact Catherine Joyes at 519-438-1723 ext. 224.