Community Investment

We believe the best way to strengthen our community is by bringing people and resources together to effect long-lasting, positive change.

Our Community Investment strategy does just that.

OPENING DOORS FOR CHANGE

We fund programs, not nonprofits. For years, we funded the same set of programs. In 2021, we expanded our approach to consider other, well-deserving programs. In this current grant cycle, we're helping fund 21 programs at 14 area nonprofits.

TAKING A SYSTEMIC APPROACH

We are placing a greater emphasis on directing resources “upstream,” tackling root causes of social issues and helping individuals move toward self-sufficiency. This focus reduces barriers to education, workforce training and jobs.

MAXIMIZING FUNDS

Our new strategy maximizes undesignated funds collected during our annual campaign to support programs that focus on critical needs identified in Springfield's Community Focus Report. This year, all undesignated funds support programs that champion children and provide pathways out of poverty, tackling issues related to health, education and financial stability.

MAKING THE BIGGEST IMPACT

Our Community Investment fund directs undesignated donations to one of three focus areas:

We are sharpening our focus on the upstream, root causes of social issues in our community. These systemic efforts will reduce or eliminate barriers to education, workforce training and jobs. Our upstream focus will fund solutions that help individuals and families become self-sufficient.

Barriers to self-sufficiency may include the lack of:

Reliable transportation.
Affordable childcare.
Safe and stable housing.
Financial literacy.
Workforce training.
Educational support.
Access to health (including mental health) and wellness support.

LEADING CHANGE THROUGH DONOR VOLUNTEERS

Our Community Investment Committee and panelists work to make donor dollars go further. The committee is comprised of donor volunteers from our 14-county service area. They are committed to using a strategic approach to allocate funds that address the priority goals set by the United Way of the Ozarks Board of Directors.

United Way of the Ozarks Community Investment Committee 2023-2024

Stephanie Weis Co-Chair │ BKD, LLP

Cindy Norman Co-Chair│ American National Insurance

Meredith Roberts | Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Katelynn Couch | Commerce Bank

Missy Forgey | Commerce Bank

Brandie Fisher | City Utilities of Springfield

Amy Carr | Jordan Valley Community Health Center

Josh Garetson | John Deere Reman

Matt Aug | CoxHealth Plans

Jen Johnson | Springfield Chamber of Commerce

Stephanie Clark | Sales Representative, Humana Marketpoint

Jennifer York | FORVIS

Austin Beshears | City Utilities of Springfield

Randy Presley | SMC Packaging

Please see the Community Investment Panelist Job Description for more information on requirements and expectations.