United Way Announces $1,131,000 in Grants

United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley’s Board of Directors approved grant funding for 63 programs managed by 46 agencies across Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties.

Salem, Oregon (June 16, 2009) —United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley awarded $1,131,000 in grants today to address community needs in Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties. United Way will invest financial resources in 63 health and service programs managed by 46 agencies serving residents of the tri-county area.

The 2009 grant allocations support community needs in three targeted areas. United Way community priority areas and their respective 2009 grant totals are:
• Education ($290,000) —Helping children, youth and adults achieve their potential
• Income ($452,000) —Promoting financial stability
• Heath ($389,000) —Improving people’s health and independence

Funding priorities are based on community impact research identifying the most pressing health and human service needs and resources are focused where they can have the greatest impact in addressing these needs. Programs receiving funding are accountable to the community for the dollars they are receiving through reporting data and results to ensure the programming is building a stronger, healthier community.

All agencies applying for funding were asked to demonstrate in their funding applications how their programs were defined and measured to achieve intended results. The information was one of several criteria used by United Way resource investment volunteers in making their funding recommendations.

United Way received 91 program applications from 60 agencies across the tri-county service area, totaling $2.9 million in requests. Over several weeks, 58 trained funding panel volunteers critically analyzed the funding applications, thoroughly evaluating each application and providing funding level recommendations to United Way’s Community Impact Council.  The Council reviewed and then made final funding recommendations to the United Way Board of Directors for ratification.

“These volunteers represent the communities we serve and work extremely hard to determine the programs that are creating positive results,” said Denise Swanson, community impact director for United Way. “They understand the importance of supporting successful programs, while ensuring United Way is accountable for its investments in the communities we serve.”

“Thanks to our community, we are providing funding to 63 local programs in three different
areas of community need,” said Gayle Caldarazzo, executive director of the United Way. “Because of our hard-working volunteers and people who give in our community, we are able to reach those who need it most.”

Additionally, another $964,000 from designated pledges will be distributed to specific agencies or programs as directed by individual donors.

About United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley
United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley’s mission is to unite people and resources for a stronger community. By working with a network of local volunteers and community agencies, United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley funds programs in three critical areas: Education, Income and Health – with the goal of creating long-term change. United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley also provides HandsOn Mid-Willamette Valley, a regional volunteer action center. For more information about United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley, visit http://www.unitedwaymwv.org or call (503) 363-1651.

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