United Way invests largest amount ever in community programs and initiative

After a second consecutive record-setting Community Campaign in 2011, United Way of the Southern Tier will direct its highest amount ever to programs and services in the 2012-13 fiscal year.

While the total campaign increased by 3.2 percent, donations to the Community Fund increased by 5 percent, allowing United Way to invest more where it is needed to do the most good. Of the total service funding approved by the Board of Directors on April 26 ($3,828,325), a record high $3,052,792 is being committed to 97 programs offered by 52 local partner agencies, and to key community initiatives that help people impr0ve their lives.  The remainder of 2012-13 service funding ($775,533) has been designated by donors to other organizations and United Ways.

2012-13 is the first year of a two-year funding cycle.  In year 1, volunteer teams review all funding requests and make investment recommendations based on the programs’ alignment with United Way values. Investments in the second year of the cycle will be based on a weighted distribution determined by each program’s alignment with these values, its performance and the success of the 2012 campaign.

This was the first funding cycle using a new software platform designed to improve efficiency in the community investment process. This software allows agencies to apply for funding online and investment volunteers to review and score applications online, making the entire process paper-free.

The next open funding cycle is slated to begin in the fall of 2013.

Download the complete list of funded projects here.

About United Way of the Southern Tier

United Way of the Southern Tier (www.uwst.org) is a locally managed non-profit organization focused on effectively mobilizing the caring power of our community to help people improve their lives. United Way of the Southern Tier is the largest non-governmental provider of funding for health and human services in Chemung and Steuben Counties.

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