News release from the United Way of Allen County:
United Way Announces Reductions to Funding for 2015-2016
(January 8, 2015) – Today, the United Way Board of Directors approved the decision to reduce Partner Agency funding and United Way’s Community Impact budget by 10 percent. The decision was made due to a decrease in the Community Campaign over the past three years. Since 2012, the organization has seen the campaign drop by $1 million. In previous years, the organization was able to keep funding flat by using part of its reserves.
“This decision was made after careful consideration and input from Partner Agencies and United Way committee volunteers,” said United Way Board of Directors Chair Steve Smith. “It was a difficult decision, but it was the option that had the least impact on residents in our community and on our Partner Agencies as a whole.”
The decision that was presented and approved by the Board detailed that Partner Agencies will not apply for funding this spring. Instead of the normal open and competitive three year investment cycle, Partner Agencies will receive an extended year of funding for the 2015-2016 fiscal year. Assuming funded outcomes have been achieved to date, each agency will receive the same funding level as the previous Investment cycle, minus 10 percent.
“I appreciate the approach that the United Way staff, committees and board of directors have taken to address the shortfall of the campaign,” said YWCA Northeast Indiana President and CEO Deborah Beckman. “While the decision of a funding reduction of 10% for the next year is not desirable, it is understandable under these circumstances. I am pleased that the United Way has looked at not only Partner Agencies, but at its own budget reductions. This can only strengthen the relationship between all of us – Partner Agencies and United Way.”
United Way’s focus is on education, income, health and basic needs – the building blocks for a good quality of life. United Way’s Community Campaign supports several key initiatives as well as more than 60 programs at 34 Partner Agencies. United Way works with its community partners to assess unmet community needs, determine solutions to those needs and invest donor dollars to achieve measurable results that address the needs.
“This situation is difficult for us and our partners,” said President and CEO David Nicole. “This is not what we want to be faced with, but we appreciate our volunteers making tough decisions for the well-being of the organization, our Partner Agencies and our community. It is only collectively, when we come together, that we are most effective. We look forward to bringing diverse community stakeholders together to tackle the most pressing issues facing families and individuals in Allen County.”
About United Way
Established in 1922, United Way of Allen County is a not-for-profit organization that works to strengthen the community through the four building blocks for a good quality of life: education, income, health and basic needs. United Way believes that quality education helps families achieve stable jobs, a safe place to live and good health. For more information, please visit www.unitedwayallencounty.org.
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