SEYMOUR, Ind. — United Way chapters seek initiatives that allow families to build a foundation to insure good health, educational attainment and financial stability. In Jackson County there are some changes in the way funds are dispersed. These changes will be made in three phases.
During phase 1, the funding timeline will be adjusted to insure the organization has definite knowledge of funds available to allocate. Officials hope the change will allow organizations to use traditional budget cycles. “We’ve made this decision to better support our partners and their work in the community, the shift to the timeline will be a benefit to all as it ensures funding and requires no rework through the fund distribution process,” stated Dr. Nate Otte, JCUW Board President.
Steps will be taken in Phase 2 to develop a more objective approach to making funding decisions. The newly developed Community Partner Development Committee will share best practices and provide training opportunities to organizations conducting targeted community needs. First Vice President and JCUW Board President-Elect, Talmadge Reasoner shared, “The work of this committee is to fully develop our partners, ensuring they are as strong as they want to be. This coaching opportunity will provide partners more information on where the JCUW Board of Directors is focused and how to help their organization prosper.” The new, two-step process will require organizations to meet non-profit standards, when they do an invitation to apply for funds will be extended.
Phase 3 will include a needs assessment that will facilitate strategic investments to make lasting change in the areas of education, health and financial stability. Dr. Otte said, “With our mission, we believe JCUW is in the appropriate position to work to achieve collective impact by reducing duplication of services and enhancing all health & human service work to address needs both seen and unseen in our community. JCUW understands the community needs on a large scale and believes that our funded community partners are providing valuable services. The question becomes are the services provided creating change around the most pressing and urgent community issues? If current programming isn’t creating impact and lasting, measurable change with the funds invested, why are we spending the money there?”
Over the next five years the organization plans to redistribute 20 percent of the funds typically budgeted for traditional agencies. The plan is expected to make funding more objective rather than based on historic tendencies.
