See How United Way Funding Decisions Are Made
When you give to United Way, where does that money go? More importantly — who decides?
Every year, generous people across the Chattahoochee Valley give through workplace campaigns and individual donations. And here’s what makes United Way different: Those dollars stay here, and the community decides how they’re invested.
If you’ve ever been curious about how funding decisions are made, this is your opportunity to step inside the process as a Community Investment Volunteer.
The Community Investment Process
United Way’s Community Investment process is how local agencies are reviewed, evaluated, and strategically invested with donor dollars each year for the greatest possible impact. And it’s powered by volunteers.
As a Community Investment Volunteer, you’ll:
- Attend a training session to understand the process and priorities
- Review grant applications from local nonprofit partners
- Attend site visits and program presentations directly from nonprofit leaders and clients
- Examine local data about our community’s most pressing needs
- Ask questions, discuss findings, and collaborate with fellow volunteers
- Score applications and recommend how funds should be allocated
Every volunteer completes a Conflict of Interest form to ensure fairness and transparency. That means no one evaluates an organization with which they already have a close relationship.
This results in a process that is community-led, objective, and accountable.
We Don’t Guess. We Invest in What Works.
At United Way, funding decisions aren’t based on opinions, they’re grounded in data and local expertise. Before any funding decisions are made, we step back and ask: Where are needs rising — and what solutions are working?
There isn’t one single report that drives our decisions. We look at multiple data sources, research studies, and real-time trends to better understand the full picture.
Here’s some of what helps inform this work:
- 211 Data: Our 211 helpline connects individuals and families to free and low-cost services. When calls about housing, food, utilities, or mental health increase, we see it in real time. That data shows us where needs are rising.
- ALICE Data in Georgia and Alabama: ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. In our region, 56% of households fall into this category. These are working families who still struggle to afford basic necessities. Understanding ALICE helps us see the hidden financial pressure many neighbors face, and informs how agencies work with under-resourced individuals and families.
- Columbus Regional Childcare Study: Access to affordable childcare impacts both families and employers. This study helps us understand gaps that affect workforce stability.
- Columbus Regional Housing Study: This research examines housing demand, supply, affordability, and long-term trends — helping shape long-term solutions for safe and stable homes.
- Point-in-Time Count: Each year, community partners gather data on individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This data helps guide both immediate response and long-term strategy for housing and support services.
- Program Outcome & Performance Reporting: Whether an organization is applying for the first time or has been a funded partner for 20+ years, we review their program data carefully. Applicants submit quarterly and year-over-year performance reports that show measurable outcomes. We look for evidence that their work is producing real, documented results; they are responsive and adapting to meet changing community needs; and additional United Way funding would strengthen, scale, or expand proven impact.
Then we bring together our community volunteers — individuals, business professionals, and those with lived experience — that reflect the diverse perspectives within our community to review everything.
That’s what makes United Way funding decisions different. And you can be part of it.
Why Serve as a Community Investment Volunteer?
Many people give to United Way every year, but few get to see what happens behind the scenes.
When you serve as a Community Investment volunteer, you:
- Gain insight into the real challenges facing local families
- Hear directly from nonprofit leaders doing the work as well as clients served
- See how strategy connects to measurable impact
- Help ensure every donated dollar is invested wisely
- Play a role in strengthening the Chattahoochee Valley
You don’t need to be a financial expert. You don’t need nonprofit experience. You just need a willingness to learn, ask thoughtful questions, and care about your community.
This Is Where You Step In
Every year, thousands of people across our region invest in United Way because they believe in this community. Serving as a Community Investment Volunteer allows you to go one step further.
Every dollar raised stays local. Every investment reflects community voice. And every volunteer supports the integrity of the process.
If you’ve ever wondered how United Way funding decisions are made, you’re invited to join this process and directly support lasting impact for families across the Chattahoochee Valley.
