United Way of West Georgia proudly champions a community-led process that prioritizes collaboration and innovation, ensuring that all funds raised remain in our community. We actively engage with local residents, business leaders, nonprofit partners, and policymakers to develop comprehensive solutions that support the overall growth and prosperity of our community.
Community Investment funding supports nonprofit organizations across our community that align with our strategic impact areas and directly address the needs of our neighbors. This community-driven process is led by teams of volunteers who review applications, conduct site visits, and strategically allocate resources to organizations making the greatest difference.
What is Community Investment?
United Way of W. Ga. has the responsibility of allocating the funds it raises wisely, fairly and effectively.
Over the years the United Way has developed a basic process for allocating funds that has been constructed based on three fundamental principles:
- Decisions about funding should be made by community volunteers.
- Agency partners who receive funding must be fiscally accountable.
- Funds should be awarded with fairness and impartiality.
Community involvement is vital to the community investment process. This ensures that all groups in West Georgia have the opportunity to participate directly, or be represented in the decision making process.
Panel Site Visits & Recommendations
Community Investment Panels, made up of Board Members and volunteers, are assigned a partner agency for review, including criteria such as:
- Program & Service
- Physical Facility
- Progress & Plans
- Financial position including budget request
Following the site visits, each panel makes a recommendation to the Community Investment Steering Committee. The committee then provides a final recommendation each March during the United Way of W. Ga. Board meeting.