FUNDRAISING

Each year United Way volunteers and staff conduct an annual fundraising campaign throughout Lowndes County. Funds that are raised benefit local agencies that have been approved through a rigorous review process conducted by United Way volunteers. The fundraising campaign kicks off in September in conjunction with our Day to Care and a celebration luncheon. United Way staff and volunteers coordinate the efforts of about 200 volunteers who contribute their time and skills to work on projects at local non-profit agencies. The volunteers are matched with projects that agency staff has neither the time nor skills to complete, and range from painting and repairs to organizing disaster supplies and clerical work. Other projects include yard work at the homes elderly and disabled residents and community improvement projects. Following the half day of work, United Way volunteers, agency representatives, businesses, industries education and others who will be conducting campaigns are treated to a luncheon and kick off festivities!

The campaign runs from kickoff in September through late November. A few individual campaigns may be conducted at a later time to accommodate businesses and industries that have scheduled a shutdown, inventory, building project, or other major activity during the regular campaign period.

ALLOCATIONS OF CAMPAIGN FUNDS

Determining funding for local agencies is a multiple-step volunteer driven process. Following each campaign, the Allocations Chair recruits volunteers whose skills range from financial expertise to knowledge of our community, and who represent our community at-large. Volunteers are formed into groups called panels which are led by experienced volunteers. Their purpose is to review each agency’s proposals for funding, 990s, audits and reviews, program and service information, and the agency’s board participation and oversight. Panels also conduct on-site interviews with the agency’s director, staff and board members. Panel members prepare funding recommendations based on their findings and community needs.

The Allocations Chair presents the panels’ recommendations to the United Way executive committee at their next regularly scheduled meeting. Upon executive review and further recommendations (if any), the recommendations are presented to the full board of directors for final approval.

For an organization to be considered for United Way funding, it must meet certain guidelines, such as being a 501(c) 3 non-profit agency recognized by the IRS and the Secretary of State of Mississippi. Agencies must complete a detailed proposal packet that includes budget information, staffing and program information, and a dollar amount request for funding before the established deadline.