OPENING DOORS FOR CHANGE

We fund programs, not agencies. Our Community Investment process is open to applications from programs of all varieties across our service area, regardless of whether the hosting nonprofit is a current, or previous, United Way partner.

Funded programs do have one thing in common ─ they all champion children or provide pathways out of poverty, locally tackling issues related to health, education and financial stability. In the current grant cycle ─ July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026 ─ United Way donors are funding 20 programs at 15 area nonprofits.

TAKING A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH

We place 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. We also fund programs that deliver safety-net services and programs that are using innovative approaches to address an existing or emerging need.

MAXIMIZING IMPACT

Our Community Investment strategy channels regular, or undesignated, donations collected during our annual community campaign to support programs that focus on critical needs identified in Springfield’s Community Focus Report. Currently, that means supporting programs that champion children or provide pathways out of poverty.