Nine formerly large grant recipients of United Way funding have taken their case to the public with a full-page ad in the Philadelphia Inquirer. Feeling that they have been unfairly treated, they believe that their only hope is to turn the public's attention and response their way.
According to the Inquirer, the United Way has changed the way it funds social service agencies and this has left the "losers" high and dry -- or at least a bit poorer. Some of the agencies are even founding members of their United Way chapter.
Three years ago, yes, three years ago (so this is not news), the United Way announced its plan to switch from "funding agencies to funding specific issues." It selected five priority areas, presumably based on community need and a vision and a commitment to supporting efforts that would produce results that would in turn, achieve this vision. The funder is now implementing this plan. As a result, 44 of the 77 agencies traditionally funded were left with no funding or significantly less money. Of the 546 agencies that applied, 137 were funded.
So, who is right? The United Way "founders" or the United Way? This is certainly a question facing every community as this effort by United Way is not singular to Philadelphia but is a national change. I generally believe this is a good move on United Way's part but I feel empathy for the "losers". I believe in funding results but I recognize that there was another goal when U.W. was started by agreement between a group of providers (to consolidate fund seeking especially in the business community and via payroll deduction).
Maybe the "losers" should form another United Way-esque organization and test what the public wants most - an organized vehicle for collecting and distributing donative dollars, measurable results, support of specific nonprofits - some, all, none.......
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