Procedure for First-Time Funding from United Way:

1.      Organizations requesting funding for the first time from United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc. should call the United Way office to request permission to participate in the Community Investment process.

2.      The Community Investment Committee chairperson and United Way staff member meet with the agency representatives to ensure that the agency meets minimum criteria for funding, and that their mission is aligned with the United Way’s priority areas of funding.

3.      A completed application with supporting materials is due to United Way no later than 12 noon on the deadline date provided by the United Way office.

4.      United Way of the Lowcountry staff conducts an initial review of the new organization’s materials to verify that all supporting material is supplied and properly completed.  If necessary, United Way staff members work with applicant agencies to assist in preparation of required forms.

5.      Proposals passing staff screening are provided to the Panel Chairmen for review and approval.  United Way Staff will notify those organizations whose proposals did not pass initial screening.

6.      If approved, the agencies are added to the Community Investment process and assigned to a panel for consideration, including an outcomes site visit and budget discussion.

Procedure for Requesting Funds

A Community Investment Request for Investment application package, along with the supporting documents conveying the agency’s request for funds must be submitted by the announced deadline.

The Community Investment Committee will issue a calendar for each year with specific dates for Community Investment activities.  Following is a general timetable for the United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc. funding cycle:

October - November

• E-mail application to agencies and require a return receipt
• Overview training (3 hours to include agency executives and board members)
• Overview training – Alternate date

December - January

• Outcomes training (1.5 hour webinar tutorial)
• Budget training (1.5 hour webinar tutorial)
• Reminder e-mail regarding application due date and draft preview options

February

• Preliminary drafts of Attachment C, D, and E due from agencies
• Panel Chair Training (distribute applications to chairs)
• Panel Chairs return applications with comments to UW
• Reviewed information (attachment C, D, and E) is provided back to agencies with
• Panel chair comments and suggestions via e-mail
• APPLICATIONS DUE BY 5:00PM

March - April

• Panel member training (application distributed)
• Panel training (alternate date)
• Agency Outcomes Visit (two weeks)
• Budget Discussions (two weeks)
• Final panel chair meeting

May – June

• Preliminary recommendations are made to the Board of Directors.
• United Way Board approves preliminary investments.
• Agencies are notified via letter of preliminary investments and provided panel feedback about strengths and opportunities for improvement.