- What will United Way of Nevada County do with the money raised?
United Way of Nevada County (UWNC) raises money for the Community Impact Fund. This fund is then directed to the most critical needs in Nevada County. Community needs are reviewed on an annual basis. Currently, UWNC is focused on the BASIC NEEDS of:
- FOOD
- EMERGENCY SHELTER
- ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE
Chances are that some of your employees, neighbors, friends, or family have benefited either directly or indirectly from one or more of the programs provided by one of our partner agencies.
- Does the money stay in this community?
Absolutely! The only money that leaves our county is any money you designate to a non-profit outside the community. United Way of Nevada County pays approximately $100 a month (1% per year) to United Way of America for their services. But, all the money raised in Nevada County STAYS in Nevada County.
- How many employees does United Way of Nevada County have?
United Way of Nevada County has one full-time Executive Director, Louise Reed, and two part-time staff members. We also rely heavily on volunteers to accomplish our mission. Volunteers put in countless hours serving on our Board, its committees, participating in Citizens Review Teams of our member agencies, community events, and doing general office work.
- What has United Way of Nevada County accomplished?
United Way of Nevada County (UWNC) works to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. United Way raises money from multiple sources to help Nevada County residents with their Basic Needs (Food, Shelter, and Access to Health Care) and constantly analyzes how best to use it to address the largest needs in Nevada County. Funding may be allocated to partners who are focused on our impact areas or programs. When gaps in services in the community are identified, the UWNC Community Impact Committee works on the best way to help. In 2016 it was determined that many community members suffering from food insecurity find it difficult to get to the food distributions offered during the week. For several months, UWNC collaborated with Interfaith Food Ministry, a United Way partner, to develop a program to support the individuals and families challenged with food insecurity. Another gap in services was found recently, so UWNC purchased a van for Hospitality House’s Street Outreach Program.
- How does United Way of Nevada County allocate money raised?
A Citizen Review Team (CRT) visits each of the member agencies then meets to review each agency's application for funds and share the findings from their visit. The application includes program objectives and outcomes, financial reports, fundraising sources, agency management practices, agency fiscal management, and service effectiveness. In addition, each agency is audited by the UWNC Executive Director and key members of the Board of Directors. The CRTs make a recommendation on how much to allocate to each agency visit to the Executive Director and members of the Board, who then use this information and the results of their own audit to make the final decision on the allocations. This is done on an annual basis.
- Why now? Why should I donate to United Way?
Because of current economic issues, our partner agencies' services to our communities are more critical than ever. We act in coordination with our agencies to provide them with the much-needed efficiency of a payroll giving campaign at places of work to off-load some of the burdens of fundraising so they can continue to focus more of their time and energy on providing those services.
United Way of Nevada County is also in a position to provide leadership and collaboration around our community's big issues and concerns. We are taking this leadership role in the areas of education, income, and health, and not just through fundraising. We coordinate volunteer activities, such as Day of Action and YouthCANDO, and promote collaboration among the non-profits in Nevada County.