The most important part of what the United Way does is about to begin. In the first months of the new year we will identify the programs to be funded in 2009. People from across the region have given generously, not to support the United Way, but the agencies who serve people in need. This money has been given with the understanding we will invest those donated dollars in the most effective programs. This is a responsibility we take seriously.
In February we will issue a request for proposals to area agencies. Once received, these applications will be reviewed by our Citizen Action Team (CAT). This group of volunteers from our community will make recommendations for funding to the United Way's Board of Directors. The grant review process is truly a community effort and reflects our commitment that the United Way is a community initiative. To join this process and be a member of the CAT Team contact us by clicking here.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
CAT
The wheels are in motion for the first round of grants that will be given out in April. If you would like to be considered to be a part of the Citizen Action Team (CAT) please contact Michelle Gallagher 947-3200 x 201 or michelleg@unitedwaynwmi.org.
What is a CAT?
The CAT is a group of volunteers from the community who decides which agencies will receive grant money from United Way of Northwest Michigan in 2009. No staff member from United Way has any part of deciding who gets funding, it is all done based on the recommendation of the volunteers on the CAT.
The time commitment is usually two full days in April, along with a one time orientation meeting in March that usually lasts an hour to two hours. The experience is amazing and the things you will learn about your community and the agencies that serve it is invaluable.
What is a CAT?
The CAT is a group of volunteers from the community who decides which agencies will receive grant money from United Way of Northwest Michigan in 2009. No staff member from United Way has any part of deciding who gets funding, it is all done based on the recommendation of the volunteers on the CAT.
The time commitment is usually two full days in April, along with a one time orientation meeting in March that usually lasts an hour to two hours. The experience is amazing and the things you will learn about your community and the agencies that serve it is invaluable.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Request for Proposal (RFP)
The RFP for the Programs and Services Grant will be emailed to agencies on February 2nd. If you are interested in applying for a grant from United Way of Northwest Michigan, but are not sure if you are on our email list, please send an email to: michelleg@Unitedwaynwmi.org with your contact informaiton and I will be sure to add you to my grant contact list. More information about the grant process will be posted to our website www.unitedwaynwmi.org within the next week. Please feel free to contact us at any time if you have questions. Steve Wade 947-3200 x 202 Michelle Gallagher 947-3200 x 201.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Make a resolution...
Its that time of year when we all make our resolutions for losing weight, excercising, eating better, quitting smoking, etc.
In 2009 how about making a resolution to give more time to your community. We all know the economy is slow, money is tight, but one thing we do have is time. Even if you only have an hour or two each month, there is someone somewhere who can use your help.
Check out our volunteer mataching database and see how you can give back to your community in 2009!
http://www.1-800-volunteer.org/1800Vol/VCNM/OpenCreateAccountAction.do
In 2009 how about making a resolution to give more time to your community. We all know the economy is slow, money is tight, but one thing we do have is time. Even if you only have an hour or two each month, there is someone somewhere who can use your help.
Check out our volunteer mataching database and see how you can give back to your community in 2009!
http://www.1-800-volunteer.org/1800Vol/VCNM/OpenCreateAccountAction.do
Monday, December 15, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Learn to Knit
On January 15th from 1pm to 3pm we will be offering a "learn to knit" class. The class will be held in the conference room of the United Way offices (521 S Union) and will be instructed by one of our very own Afghan Angels.
If you are interested in attending please contact Michelle either by phone: 231-947-3200 x 201 or email: michelleg@Unitedwaynwmi.org. Space is limited so please RSVP as soon as possible.
If you are interested in attending please contact Michelle either by phone: 231-947-3200 x 201 or email: michelleg@Unitedwaynwmi.org. Space is limited so please RSVP as soon as possible.
'Tis the Season
The mission of the United Way of Northwest Michigan is,
"... to efficiently raise and effectively distribute financial and volunteer resources to support community-determined initiatives that improve the lives of community members."
Most people think this means the United Way does only three things: (1) raise funds (2) grant money (3) encourage volunteerism.
The reality is we do far more than raise and distribute funds and volunteer resources. We are actively involved with numerous initiatives that affect the lives of people in need. We are involved in the Community Collaboratives in each of the five (5) counties we serve. We are a part of established programs like the Poverty Reduction Initiative (PRI), Great Start and the Fresh Food Partnership. We are also trying to help the community create new ways to respond to old problems. We are a part of initiatives like the one trying to bring 2-1-1 to our area and to implement Food Rescue. We are a part of these efforts because they are, "community determined initiatives that improve the lives of community members."
Your support of the United Way goes beyond the grants that are given and the volunteers who are placed, it supports ideas and helps them become a part of the services on which people rely. The United Way is actively working to find ways to improve the lives of people throughout our community. Thank you for supporting the United Way in 2008. I hope we can count on your support in the year to come.
Best Wishes for a holiday season full of joy and happiness.
"... to efficiently raise and effectively distribute financial and volunteer resources to support community-determined initiatives that improve the lives of community members."
Most people think this means the United Way does only three things: (1) raise funds (2) grant money (3) encourage volunteerism.
The reality is we do far more than raise and distribute funds and volunteer resources. We are actively involved with numerous initiatives that affect the lives of people in need. We are involved in the Community Collaboratives in each of the five (5) counties we serve. We are a part of established programs like the Poverty Reduction Initiative (PRI), Great Start and the Fresh Food Partnership. We are also trying to help the community create new ways to respond to old problems. We are a part of initiatives like the one trying to bring 2-1-1 to our area and to implement Food Rescue. We are a part of these efforts because they are, "community determined initiatives that improve the lives of community members."
Your support of the United Way goes beyond the grants that are given and the volunteers who are placed, it supports ideas and helps them become a part of the services on which people rely. The United Way is actively working to find ways to improve the lives of people throughout our community. Thank you for supporting the United Way in 2008. I hope we can count on your support in the year to come.
Best Wishes for a holiday season full of joy and happiness.
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