United Way of Metropolitan Dallas

December 01, 2010

United Way takes historic step in opening up grants allocation process

(DALLAS, TX) - For the first time in its 86-year history, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas has opened up its funding process to any eligible non-profit agency that can make substantial progress toward achieving United 2020 community goals. Developed by a Blue Ribbon Commission of local thought leaders, the goals focus in on three key impact areas:

  • Education — prepare 50% more students to succeed in education after high school
  • Income — move 250,000 more people out of poverty permanently
  • Health — improve community health through expanded access, preventive care and healthy behaviors

The new funding model is a departure from United Way's traditional model of a closed group of "partner" agencies. The open invitation has resulted in funding applications from 72 new organizations. Funding proposals from a total of 158 agencies were submitted, including 86 returning agencies. Examples of new applicants include North Texas Food Bank, Mercy Street, Big Thought, Trinity River Mission and Vickery Meadow Learning Center.

"We believe the increased competition for dollars is critical- and may yield stronger programs with better outcomes, which are essential to providing donors with a substantial return on their investments," says Gary Godsey, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas President and CEO. "United Way must collaborate with leading non-profits effectively addressing our region's most pressing issues to move the proverbial needle toward a better educated, more prosperous and healthier community."

Ensuring measurement and accountability, United Way has contracted with the Center for Urban Policy Studies at the University of Texas at Dallas to provide ongoing evaluation of its transformative efforts. UTD experts will publish an annual "Community Scorecard" and report, detailing publicly both progress and challenges.

More than 200 trained community volunteers are committed to spend over 8,000 hours during the applicant review process, allocating funds to programs that will make measurable impact in the areas of Education, Income and Health. Proposal review begins in January, and final funding decisions will be made by the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas executive committee on May 25, 2011. The funding cycle begins July 1, 2011.

 
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