1. The Allocations Process
Each year, the Community Investment Panel allocate funds raised by United Way to local charities. The panel, comprised of United Way Board Members and community volunteers, involve a broad cross-section of local men and women who review the member agency proposals, visit and see first-hand the funded programs and recommend the amount to be allocated.  This process ensures that donated dollars are directed to meet relevant and emerging community needs.

2. Purpose of the Allocation Funding Process
To ensure we are meeting the community’s changing needs by getting broader community input.

To ensure areas of greatest need are not restricted to our current “member agencies” (e.g. identifying and addressing human care needs beyond what United Way currently supports)

A three-year cycle will allow big-picture thinking for strategic funding decisions.

Agencies can better plan with the knowledge their funding is secure for 3 years.

What is the 3-year Funding Model?
Each year, United Way examines one of its three main priority areas in detail and make funding decisions for that area for the following three years.

1.   Nurturing Independence - Increasing the capacity of individuals to care for themselves and their families.  We do this by:
Supporting people and their family with a health condition or disability through support groups, rehabilitation and training, information services, and support for equipment.

Helping seniors stay healthy through support services and materials and supplies.

Promoting wellness and prevention through education and training.

2.   Building Communities - Developing communities that have the skills and resources to create healthy and supportive environments in which to live.  We do this by:
Assisting people break the cycle of poverty and homelessness by supporting food and clothing programs, emergency housing and shelter, and searching employment and training opportunities.

Promoting freedom from violence through emergency housing for people in violent situations, and assisting people in crisis from violent relationships.
Strengthening neighbourhoods through family support programs, and information and referral.

3.   Strengthening Children and Families - Supporting children, youth and families acquire skills and experiences that encourage them to become contributing members of the community.  We do this by:
Offering growth experiences through belonging to a youth organization with the above goal, working with peers in a community building atmosphere, and camping experiences.

Counselling through a counselling program with the goal of building the strength of the individual so they may become contributing members of society. Strengthening skills through development programs for children, youth and family, and through life growth experiences.

Assisting individuals and families cope with crisis through a nurturing environment program, housing support and support groups.