FAQ
You have questions.
We have answers.
Were agencies warned about the changes and that they might not receive funds?
Is UWHC dictating to agencies and agency boards how to operate their programs?
Why does United Way exist if it is not to financially support agencies?
Will programs that were funded in the past receive less funding or none at all?
Who is eligible for UWHC funds?
Why won’t Meals on Wheels receive program funding?
Why should I give to UWHC if my favorite agency’s program doesn’t receive funding?
Why should we give to United Way when times are tough and the economy is down?
Why did United Way of Henderson County (UWHC) choose to invest in strategies that improve outcomes related to Education, Income, Health, and Rebuilding Lives?
In 2007, UWHC began a strategic planning process to address the root causes of community health and human service issues. Goals also included providing an even higher level of transparency and accountability to our donors and the development of strategies, policies, and procedures to create a higher level of effectiveness when investing donor funds in the community.
As part of the strategic plan, UWHC partnered with Western Carolina Community Action (WCCA) to develop and conduct the 2010 community assessment of Henderson County. The results of the assessment were used to determine the most significant health and human service issues affecting Henderson County. Seventeen objectives were identified by the community, and these are now the areas of focus for UWHC. Included are issues of child and youth care, educational success, affordable housing, transportation, affordability and accessibility of health and dental care, needs of the elderly and people with disabilities, and basic needs.
Every entity and individual in our community is a partner. We can only make a difference when we all work together to reduce or eliminate community issues. UWHC partners include agencies that administer programs that we fund, and they also include non-funded agencies that we work with to advocate for important community causes. We partner with area residents, corporations, small businesses, non-profit organizations, foundations, and local government who all work with us to raise funds during our annual campaign.
Were agencies warned about the changes and that they might not receive funds?
UWHC began notifying agencies in 2009 that its funding model would significantly change in 2011.
UWHC invited all funded agency directors and board chairs to an April 2010 presentation to notify them of the new direction that UWHC was taking.
We included agencies in the development of community objectives, the development of our funding eligibility process, and in writing UWHC’s Funding Policies and Procedures.
In addition, UWHC held seven small group meetings for agencies in November 2010 to review its new Funding Policies and Procedures, discuss the objectives a program must meet to be considered for funding, and answer questions about the upcoming funding process. Fifty-one representatives from 35 agencies attended.
Is UWHC dictating to agencies and agency boards how to operate their programs?
UWHC does not dictate how programs should operate, rather we partner with organizations that meet our standards of excellence and administer programs that can help us meet identified community objectives. Through these partnerships, our community is assured that every program they support through UWHC is having the most significant impact possible.
All organizations that apply for UWHC funds understand that they are applying for funds that must produce results related to Education, Income, Health, and Rebuilding Lives. The application process is very competitive and UWHC has no way of knowing which programs will or will not receive funds until all applications are reviewed by trained volunteer funding panels. The proposals that have the best program design related to Education, Income, Health, and Rebuilding Lives are the programs that are recommended for funding by the volunteer panels and awarded funds by the UWHC Board of Directors.
Why does United Way exist if it is not to financially support agencies?
UWHC exists to advance the common good and make a difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community. We do not exist to support agencies, but instead, we fund programs that can make a difference related to the priorities identified in our community. Our new funding model allows us to do a better job of fulfilling our mission and increases our level of accountability. Many successful solutions don’t require money—they happen when we pool resources and collaborate around the issues.
Will programs that were funded in the past receive less funding or none at all?
For the 2011/12 funding cycle, UWHC received more than $2.1 million in funding requests. This was more than twice the amount of funds that we had to allocate. Some programs that received funding in the past were awarded less or no funding this year. UWHC cannot fund everything, and it is up to the volunteer funding panels to determine the programs that best address the identified community objectives, and then make the funding recommendations to the UWHC Board.
Who is eligible for UWHC funds?
All 501(c)(3) health and human service nonprofit organizations meeting UWHC’s Funding Eligibility Criteria can apply for funding. Organizations must submit an annual funding application to competitively apply for funds for programs that will improve the results related to Education, Income, Health, and Rebuilding Lives.
Why won’t Meals on Wheels receive program funding?
Henderson County Council on Aging administers the Meals on Wheels Program. Council in Aging currently has a 33.2% agency overhead which does not meet the 25% maximum overhead requirement of UWHC’s Funding Eligibility Criteria. If the agency reduces its overhead to UWHC’s acceptable level, they may reapply next year for funding eligibility.
Why should I give to UWHC if my favorite agency’s program doesn’t receive funding?
You should give to UWHC if you want to see improvements in your community as a whole. UWHC’s work is based on improving community systems to make a difference, not just focusing efforts on one organization.
Why should we give to United Way when times are tough and the economy is down?
During tough economic times, community funding is often decreased, but the need for funds in the community is greater. We need to pull together to make a difference and begin to measure our progress toward long-term change.
When children enter school ready to learn, when families are financially self-sufficient, when individuals are healthy, and when elderly adults have safe housing, we all win! The alternative is too expensive—in terms of increased taxes, increased crime, and increased healthcare costs.
If you have any questions we haven’t answered, please call or email the UWHC office, and we will be happy to talk with you.