FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2021
United Way’s Annual Community-Led Review Process Is Underway
More than 80 volunteers vet nonprofits for 2022 United Way funding
MANKATO—Greater Mankato Area United Way’s 2021 campaign may be over, but more than 80 volunteers are already hard at work reviewing regional nonprofits that have applied for 2022 funding.
The annual Community Impact agency reviews are part of United Way’s funding review process that occurs every spring.
Over the next few weeks, Community Impact teams will vet all agencies that have applied to receive United Way funding from the 2022 campaign, which will officially launch its fundraising drive with a kickoff event July 27, 2021.
This year, the reviews are taking place virtually due to COVID-19.
During the review process, volunteers from around the region are split into eight Community Impact teams, which align with the eight impact areas under United Way’s pillars of Basic Needs, Health and Education (see below). An agency applying for United Way funding must align with at least one of these impact areas and serve people within Greater Mankato Area United Way’s service area of Blue Earth, Le Sueur, Nicollet and Waseca counties.
The Community Impact volunteers receive agency application information ahead of time and have the opportunity to ask questions during the reviews. Agencies present their program needs and impact as well as their financials.
After all site reviews and team discussions are completed, the Community Impact teams will make funding recommendations to the Greater Mankato Area United Way board of directors for approval. In early June, agencies will be informed of their 2022 funding amount, which is contingent on United Way hitting its campaign goal.
“Greater Mankato Area United Way’s mission is built around community vetting,” said United Way CEO Barb Kaus. “With community volunteers implementing the funding reviews and recommendations, donors know their dollars are being spent responsibly and having the maximum impact in addressing our region’s needs.”
COMMUNITY IMPACT AREAS
Basic Needs:
- Emergency Services
- Supporting Individuals and Families
Health:
- Supporting Older Individuals
- Enhancing the Lives of People with Disabilities
- Promoting Health and Wellness
Education:
- Success by Six
- Nurturing Children and Youth
- Youth Outreach
About Greater Mankato Area United Way
Greater Mankato Area United Way programs serve more than 51,000 people in Blue Earth, Le Sueur, Nicollet and Waseca counties. In 2021, Greater Mankato Area United Way is supporting 56 programs within 36 agencies through the impact areas of basic needs, health and education. Visit the United Way website for the full agency list.
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Contact:
Elizabeth Harstad
Community Impact Director
ElizabethH@mankatounitedway.org
507-345-4556