United Way Blackhawk Region announces an investment of $1,953,688 to support local programs in Rock and northern Winnebago counties in 2016.
The volunteer-driven Community Grant Process is designed to award funds to programs demonstrating community need, articulating program efficacy and results. As a result of the competitive process, United Way Blackhawk Region volunteer Board of Directors approved $1,908,688 in grant funding for 99 health and human services programs for next year.
Recommendations for grant awards were formulated by nearly 50 diverse volunteers, representing a broad cross-section of disciplines, donors and corporate partners. Volunteers devoted more than 600 hours to an extensive accountability review of the programs and organizations seeking funding. Evaluation is based on application materials and in-person presentations to a volunteer panel. The Board reviewed results and comments from this exceptional team of community-minded volunteers and endorsed their recommendations.
“We are deeply grateful to this team of volunteers for their generous gift of time and their commitment to transparency and responsible stewardship,” said United Way Blackhawk Region President Mary Fanning-Penny. “The integrity of this process is United Way’s hallmark, and our diligent volunteers take the role very seriously. Programs are expected to follow sound fiscal policies and provide effective, efficient services with measurable outcomes to our community.”
Programs receiving grants in 2016, administered by 42 nonprofit organizations, are aligned with United Way’s Community Impact areas of education, income and health—the building blocks for a good quality of life.
- Education: $615,297 will be allocated so children and youth will have supportive learning and development opportunities to grow and become responsible adults.
- Income: $829,487 will be allocated so individuals and families will have their basic needs met and achieve and sustain self-sufficiency.
- Health: $463,904 will be allocated so residents of the Blackhawk Region may enjoy healthy lives.
Included in the $1.909 million Community Grant investment is $6,000 for two new programs: Project 16:49’s Robin House, a housing and skill development program for 18-21 year-olds seeking graduation from high school; as well as a scholarship program through SMILES, an equine therapy assistance organization.
In addition, United Way is investing a $25,000 grant in 2-1-1, an information and referral service for our region providing 24-hour access to a caring, compassionate person that can connect residents to local resources. Ten thousand dollars in capacity building and venture grant funding will be available, as well as $10,000 in emergency funding.
“Last year, over 130,400 services were provided to residents in the Blackhawk Region through United Way funded programs,” said UWBR volunteer Board Chair Phil Smith. “Children were provided a supportive environment to learn and grow, families were empowered to take steps toward financial stability, and many enjoyed healthier lives thanks to a variety of programs. This is important work—work that cannot be accomplished without the vital support of community members.”
United Way’s 2016 grants are dependent upon a successful community campaign, which currently stands at $1.57 million or 55.6% of the $2.82 million dollar goal. Dollar-for-dollar challenge grants from both the Beloit Foundation and Janesville Foundation have been issued to increase donor contributions and first-time pledges to maximize the community’s investment.
“We are fortunate to have wonderful support from many in our region who give conveniently through workplace campaigns. There are still a few businesses with traditionally substantial campaigns that have yet to submit final campaign reports,” said volunteer Campaign Cabinet Chair Donna Sykora. “If you haven’t had the opportunity to give through a workplace campaign, there’s still time to join in and make a gift or do so individually online.”
