The cabinet and United Way of the Midlands’ Board of Directors had eliminated support of the Education Discrimination program during the annual allocation process on June 17, 2010. Using United Way’s formal appeal process, ULN asked United Way to reconsider the decision based on new information regarding the program’s performance, which was not available to the allocation cabinet during its deliberations.

The performance measures, called ‘outcomes,’ are among the key factors in consideration for United Way donor funding; they provide measurable proof that people’s lives are changed by using the services. "The appeal process is in place for just such a situation," said John Ewing, volunteer chair of the allocation cabinet. "The information presented shows the education program is making a difference in students’ school work and their pursuit of higher education." Ewing is Douglas County Treasurer. The decision was made on July 1, 2010. The restored funding will come from a response fund United Way maintains for contingencies and new programs.

Due to the faltering economy and increased donor designations to specific local agencies, funding was reduced for 82 of United Way’s nearly 150 funded programs in June; the Urban League’s Education Discrimination, Ethnic Advocacy and Neighborhood Center programs were included in that number. Financial support for a third United Way-funded program at the Urban League, the Employment Discrimination program, was held steady at its 2009 allocation amount, along with 69 other programs provided by United Way partner agencies.

United Way of the Midlands, its donors and volunteers advance the common good of the Omaha metropolitan area by providing our neighbors life-changing opportunities in education, financial stability and health. United Way of the Midlands celebrates 87 years of service in 2010.