May 9th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

For the first time in over a decade, County United Way announces an opportunity for nonprofit organizations specializing in health, education and human services to join their list of community partners.

United Way has historically been known for its partner agencies, which restricted only those organizations to qualify for funding. County United Way executive director Juli McCoy notes that “it’s important to us that we partner with organizations for many reasons, but restricted funding opportunities is no longer one of them. Duplication of services is an issue United Way has worked to resolve for a long time, but it continues to occur. In a region the size of ours, the more we work together, the bigger impact we’ll have; the only way to achieve that is through partnerships and being mindful of what work might already be happening.”

United Way’s annual fundraising campaign provides an opportunity to showcase the important work invested through partner organizations. McCoy adds “an unrestricted donation to United Way has community-wide reach that can be leveraged to ensure the most people are being helped” McCoy also noted that everyone who chooses to give has a passion for something. United Way works very hard to identify the issues in the region and through its application and review process, grant awards are carefully considered, then reviewed quarterly to ensure programs are working.

Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a focus of education, financial stability or health is encouraged to consider a partnership with United Way. The organization is recognized for its transparency nationally, and locally, County United Way has received platinum status with Guide Star two years running. United Way’s strategic and thorough review process can potentially offer organizations additional funding opportunities due to the recognition of United Way’s national status as a top nonprofit.

The benefits of this partnership include the community-wide fundraising effort which supports the needs of the community, response to partner organization needs, positive support, including technical, promotional and event sponsorship, the Day of Caring & Sharing that gives partner organizations an opportunity to submit projects specific to their location, and more.

To access the partnership application, organizations can visit cuw.org/partner/ or are welcome to contact the United Way office by emailing juli@cuw.org. All applications must be received by June 10 in order to be considered.