United Way making necessary changes
It must adapt to ensure it continues to improve lives locally
The world is changing, and United Way is changing with it. Like other sectors, our organization is evolving to adapt to new realities in the community. By doing so, we are positioning ourselves to make decisions that amplify local impact and ensure that no one in the community is left behind.
One of the new realities we face is financial. Although United Way has been able to allocate $30 million to Hamilton area agencies over the past 10 years, we know that across the entire charitable sector, fewer people are donating. Add to this more competition for donor dollars, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to support essential programs that rely on United Way funding.
Hamiltonians are generous, yet there are now more than 85,000 very worthy, registered charities in this country. It’s our job to ensure community members understand the unique role United Way plays and how we are guided by what the community needs.
United Way is unique in that unlike some charities that have a very particular mandate, ours is to remain high level; to “improve lives locally.” That means we must be responsive to the changing needs of the whole community, and address the complex, persistent and urgent social issues that are creating those needs. To do this, we rely on the community to (1) help us identify the most pressing priorities and (2) respond generously to move this work forward.
This leads us to another important consideration; how we allocate funds. The way we operate today is different than years ago. Rather than simply flowing funds through to a group of agencies, we ensure that every donor dollar has maximum impact. We are focused on what the community wants us to achieve, and we measure the results.
We came to this conclusion after three years of research, consultation and planning. Community members, subject matter experts, government and our partner agencies helped us develop a new strategy now being piloted in Hamilton, The Road to Greater Impact. We agreed there would be six priorities for Hamilton, all concentrated around addressing poverty and supporting families. We are at the beginning stages of developing The Road to Greater Impact in Halton as well. The community will help customize priorities to suit that region.
In early April, we began implementing the strategy by launching a new and competitive application process. As a tool for making funding decisions, The Road to Greater Impact framework is rigorous, transparent and has clear criteria.
Although agencies were informed and involved in creating the new strategy, in the end, it was difficult to inform 16 previously-funded agencies they were not successful in their applications for one or more of their programs. We know these tough decisions bring challenges to the agencies affected, and we’re sensitive to that. Today, we are proud to have invested critical funds in 44 programs on behalf of United Way donors. More than 72,000 Hamiltonians will benefit from these investments.
This brings up another point I would like to emphasize. Money donated stays in the community where it was raised. That is, and always will be, a pillar of our organization.
Ultimately, I believe these bold changes set the course for our future. Hamilton has built a reputation for pushing the limits when it comes to innovation. Challenging the status quo is part of this community’s DNA. United Way is doing just that; responding to “disruptions” in the marketplace and retooling for the future. We are adapting because those in need are relying on us, and because donors expect more, including a strong social return on their investment.
It’s going to take all of us — government, community, agencies, corporate partners and funding organizations — to make lasting change. The need is great and the community must rally together to embrace transformation and build a network of support that will improve the lives of the most vulnerable among us. It is time to stand united.