| Program Funding Announced for 2010-11 |
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United Way of the Midlands announces funding for more than 145 human service programs in the Omaha metro area for 2010-11.
June 17, 2010
The funds come from unrestricted contributions to last fall’s 2009 United Way campaign. When compared to United Way donors in communities across the country, the Omaha metro area continues to prove its generous nature; UWM ranks in the top five in sustaining local donor support from year-to-year. But, like many nonprofits and private businesses, United Way of the Midlands has absorbed the impact of a faltering economy. Our community met its goal of raising $21.1 million in the campaign last fall; however that amount is down 2.8% from the year before. As well, more donors directed their individual contributions to a specific agency in the 2009 drive, further reducing the amount available to distribute among the funded programs in United Way’s Community Care Fund network. Out of the 152 Community Care Fund programs reviewed for funding by United Way volunteers today, 82 programs will see reductions in United Way funding in the coming year, including eight programs that will no longer be funded. 70 programs will receive the same amount of donor funding as they did in 2009. The Community Care Fund programs operate in 33 UWM partner agencies in Douglas, Sarpy and Pottawattamie Counties; each agency’s executive director and board chair received notification in January 2010 that program funding reductions would be required. Here is a breakdown of funding for the Community Care programs for the coming year, by United Way focus area: • EDUCATION $ 3,352,168 19 community volunteers from across the three-county metro area worked with United Way staff on the extensive program review process. They examined funding applications, the efficiency of the programs and the strength of the agencies submitting applications for program support. All funding applicants are asked annually to demonstrate how their programs make measurable change in people’s lives, an indicator known as an "outcome." By considering these criteria, UWM’s allocation volunteers are able to decide where the donors’ dollars are needed most and will do the most good for our community as a whole. "We take very seriously the promise United Way makes to donors that their dollars are carefully invested, and that the community-wide network of services is as strong as possible," said John Ewing, chair of the Planning, Allocation and Community Development Cabinet, the volunteer panel that recommends funding to the full board. "Difficult decisions are made every year in order to keep that promise, and donors can be certain that this year’s process was thorough and fair." Ewing is Douglas County Treasurer. The process also helps volunteers identify possible duplication of services, gaps in service and opportunities for collaboration among nonprofits and other local organizations. Current collaborations include the 2-1-1 call center, the Financial Stability Partnership™ and the school readiness "Ready in 5" program, Partnerships in Aging and the Project Bridge program for international medical professionals. In fact, a portion of the funding announced today will be made available for increased mental health services, with a focus on minority populations in North Omaha; program proposals will be accepted in coming months. Thanks to United Way donors, these "impact initiatives" enable our community to react quickly when local needs arise.
Designation by Donors to UWM Partner Agencies 1,459,795 Designation by Donors to Non-affiliated Local Agencies 2,609,622 UWM Direct Community Services 1,740,908 Community Health Charities Nebraska – Campaign Partner 920,500 Response Fund 250,000 Allocation to Board-Designated Reserve 250,000 Administration and Fundraising 2,092,512 Uncollectible Pledges 1,245,520 2009 CAMPAIGN TOTAL $21,110,512
People in the metropolitan area received services through United Way Community Care Fund programs 631,724 times in 2009.
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