United Way announced the results of the 2016 Community Investment Volunteer Review and recognized the dedication of 73 individuals who served as volunteers.  The funding recommendations of the Community Investment Volunteers were presented to the United Way Board of Directors and unanimously approved last week.  United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley will award funding to 57 local programs through 27 agencies in the upcoming fiscal year.
 
Three new programs will receive funding this year: Growing Early Childhood Literacy of Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy; MercyMed Coumadin Clinic of MercyMed Columbus; and Economic Empowerment and Employment of the Urban League of Greater Columbus.
 
”Donors to the United Way can be assured that their gift is invested in quality local programs that demonstrate they are filling a true community need, are good stewards of the dollars, and are changing people’s lives right here in the Chattahoochee Valley,” Scott Ferguson, United Way president stated. “We would like to give a big thank you to the 73 volunteers that work to make informed funding decisions and to the 20,000 contributors who support us annually.”
 
Nine volunteer teams evaluated requests for funding during the six-week process. Volunteers reviewed applications and attended site visits to see the programs in action, and meet board members, clients and staff.  The majority of the Community Investment volunteers have participated in the past and other volunteers have a connection to United Way through the Campaign or the Volunteer Center.  All volunteers demonstrate their commitment to United Way, the programs under review and the community through their dedicated service and hard work.
 
Each program was reviewed in terms of how it met a community need, achieved results and exercised good stewardship. All programs are providing services within the four core areas of United Way – Basic Needs, Income, Health and Education. In addition, the financial position of each agency was reviewed by a separate group of volunteers who have a strong experience in accounting and financial management.
 
”The community investment process was one of the best in my many years of involvement,” said Bob Kidd, CEO of Hecht Burdeshaw Architects and Community Investment Board Member. “All the volunteers worked as one team to bring about vital investment in our community and ensure the generous contributions of our community are invested wisely. I am so honored to have been a part of the process. It is a unique and rewarding experience.”
 
A reception was held to recognize the service of the volunteers and celebrate the conclusion of this year’s Community Investment Volunteer Review.  “It is always amazing to work with volunteers in the review process.  This process ensures that dollars are invested in exceptional local programs that are changing lives in the Chattahoochee Valley, amplifying the impact of every dollar entrusted to United Way by donors,” Scott Ferguson said at the conclusion of the reception.