Community Investment Process
Investing in What Matters Most
At United Way of the CSRA, every dollar invested is guided by a commitment to transparency, accountability, and measurable impact. Our Community Investment Process ensures that funding supports programs that are effective, efficient, and aligned with the greatest needs in our community.
Volunteers from our Citizen Review Panels help us achieve our goals by participating on a team of trained individuals to review and assess program proposals for funding. During this process, recommendations to guide investment decisions that support our four impact areas are discussed, financials reviewed, programs visited in-person, and a strategic plan created.
How It Works
Our multi-step process is designed to thoroughly evaluate each program and ensure funds are invested where they will make the greatest impact.- Application Submission & Compliance Review (December – January) Partner agencies submit program proposals, which are reviewed by United Way staff to ensure all requirements and documentation are complete.
- Financial Review (January) Volunteers assess agency financials to ensure programs are fiscally sound and capable of responsibly managing funding.
- Volunteer Training (January – February) Citizen Review Panel members receive training to fully understand the process, funding priorities, and their role in evaluating programs.
- Volunteer Review (February – March) Volunteers carefully review program applications, analyze outcomes, and prepare for deeper evaluation during site visits.
- Program Site Visits (March – April) Volunteers visit partner agencies in person, meeting staff, observing programs, and, when possible, speaking with those being served to gain a full understanding of impact.
- Review & Recommendations (May) Panels come together to discuss findings, evaluate program effectiveness, and develop funding recommendations based on community impact and need.
- Board Approval (June) Final recommendations are presented to the United Way of the CSRA Board of Directors for review and approval.
- Funding Notification (June) Partner agencies are notified of funding decisions, with the new program year beginning July 1.
Why It Matters
This rigorous, community-led process ensures that:
- Donor dollars are invested wisely and responsibly
- Funded programs deliver measurable results
- Community needs are continuously evaluated and addressed
- Local organizations are held to high standards of performance and accountability
Interested in Getting Involved?
Complete the form below to join our Citizens Review Panel!