Orrville United Way raises fewer dollars
United Way distributed grants in 2018 totaling $388,012 to 16 agencies, providing essential services for Eastern Wayne County residents. For 2019 that total decreased to $367,462.
With fewer dollars raised during the 2018 Orrville United Way fundraising effort, the volunteers who had been working through the Citizen Review Process had tough decisions to make.
Orrville United Way distributed grants in 2018 totaling $388,012 to 16 agencies, providing essential services for Eastern Wayne County residents. For 2019 that total decreased to $367,462.
Volunteers approved grants for the same 16 agencies as well as support for two new programs: the CARE Team in Dalton schools and O-Huddle in Orrville schools. Both new programs provide mentoring and tutoring for local students.
Dollars also are set aside each year to support United Way’s signature programs including Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides one book each month for children from birth to age 5 in the Eastern Wayne County service area. The Happy Feet for Kids program is looking for alternatives in the wake of Payless shoe stores closing.
The Sweet Dreams program provides bedding, blankets and bath towels to children from low-income families. The Backpack Program provides weekend food to the same population in Orrville and Dalton schools.
Citizen Review Process
The Citizen Review Process begins in May of each year when Citizen Review Committee volunteers are confirmed and meet with prospective grant applicants to review any changes in the process. Currently funded agencies submit mid-year progress reports by the end of July. The annual campaign kicks off in August with results finalized in February.
Applications are submitted for the next year’s funding during the third or fourth quarter of the current year. The CRC also develops questions for applicants. They also may decide to visit agencies.
Agencies are invited to present their programs to the CRC. Between presentations and the February Orrville United Way board meeting, the CRC meets to make decisions, finalize their grant recommendations and discuss process changes. The report of the CRC is presented to the United Way board during its February meeting.
As the governing body, the board has the final say regarding grants. Agencies are notified as soon as possible after the February board meeting and receive their January and February grant payments before the end of February.
Each year the Citizen Review Process is reviewed, and improvements are implemented.