United Way plans for fund distribution in 2007

The United Way of Pinal County, matching generosity with community needs to promote lasting changes in peoples’ lives, is planning now for its upcoming fund distribution cycle, according to Keith McGlaughlin, chair of the United Way of Pinal County’s Community Impact committee.

McGlaughlin announced that non-profit health and human service agencies, which are currently recognized as tax-exempt (501c3) by the IRS and serve residents of Pinal County, are welcome to apply. “However,” McGlaughlin added, “programs proposed for funding must fit into the United Way of Pinal County Community Impact Plan.”

“Organizations interested in applying for United Way funding,” said McGlaughlin “must attend one of four mandatory training meetings available in January. The meetings are based on focus areas identified by the Community Impact Plan. An applicant organization needs to attend the meeting intended for their focus area.”

McGlaughlin provided the following meeting schedule:

Domestic Violence programs–Monday, Jan. 29, 10 a.m.
Services to Seniors programs–Monday, Jan. 29, 1 p.m.
Self-Sufficiency programs–Tuesday, Jan. 30, 10 a.m.
Adult Literacy programs–Tuesday, Jan. 30, 1 p.m.
(All meetings will be at the United Way of Pinal County office at 402 E. 10th Street in Casa Grande.)

Organizations are asked to call the United Way office at (520) 836-0736 before Jan. 12 to reserve their place at their meeting. The organization’s representative(s) who will actually write the application must attend. Organizations who are new to United Way or those with proposals addressing early childhood development, the fifth focus area, must speak with Executive Director Bill Ludeke in advance of the meeting to discuss their funding proposals and learn about United Way expectations for applicants.

Funding review volunteers needed
United Way is also seeking volunteers to help review applications for funding in the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2007, according to Ludeke.

He explained, “Every year we receive applications for funding from organizations that provide health and human services to Pinal County residents. Last year, for example, we depended on 58 volunteers from all over Pinal County to review applications. We are looking for people who live and/or work in Pinal County, are willing to devote about 10 hours of their time in reading applications and attending either one or two early evening meetings. We may also call on our volunteers to visit a service agency or meet with its representatives. United Way provides all the training and materials.”

“It would be great if volunteers were knowledgeable in financial management, project administration or social services,” added Ludeke. “However, such experience is not a prerequisite for success as a reviewer.”

Reviewers do not need to be United Way donors. In fact, according to Ludeke, most volunteers end up becoming financial contributors because they learn firsthand how carefully United Way invests contributed dollars to achieve the greatest outcomes. “Most of all,” he added, “we appreciate volunteers who think logically and are not afraid to ask questions.”

Most of the reviewer activity happens from mid-March to April. Anyone interested in learning more about being a United Way reviewer should call Ludeke at (520) 836-0736 or email him for more information.