Who: United Way of Central Oklahoma, United Way of Logan County and United Way of Canadian County

What: National Volunteer Appreciation Week is a time to express appreciation to United Way Community Investment volunteers

Where: United Way Partner Agencies in communities across central Oklahoma

When: April 21-27

Why: Each year, donor volunteers oversee the distribution of United Way dollars through an annual process called Community Investment.

Approximately 200 volunteers not only donate monetarily, but also donate their time to review funding requests from local programs hoping to receive United Way support. They carefully assess program proposals and outcome measurement data, meet with agency directors and visit agency facilities to get a firsthand look at the programs, the staff and the people they serve. Partner Agencies’ financial documentation including internal financial controls, fiscal health and audit of compliance are also reviewed and analyzed by volunteers who are state licensed Certified Public Accountants or other financial professionals.

The volunteer funding recommendations are reviewed by the Community Investment Committee that submits a final funding proposal to the United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Board of Directors, who are also donor volunteers. The Board approves the proposal and distribution of funds for Partner Agencies’ specific programs.

United Way’s Community Investment process ensures our stewardship. Partner Agencies are held to the highest level of accountability, and voluntarily agree to intense annual review. Therefore, this process assures United Way donors that their generous contributions are used wisely and efficiently.

In the previous year, 140 volunteers representing nearly 65 companies spent over 3,000 hours reviewing funding requests from current Partner Agencies and other non-profit organizations hoping to join the United Way partnership. Beginning in January, these volunteers spent five months rigorously examining each agency seeking financial support. Not only did volunteers evaluate budgets and audits, but they also conducted site visits with the agencies. Meetings were held with both staff and board members to discuss the specific programs to be funded. Based on all the information gathered, the Community Investment Committee made funding recommendations to the United Way Board of Directors in June.

This year is no exception. As both donors to United Way and members of our community, Community Investment Volunteers are afforded a unique opportunity to analyze funding requests, program outcomes, and performance histories, and make funding recommendations.

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About United Way of Central Oklahoma

United Way of Central Oklahoma has proudly served the communities of central Oklahoma since 1923, raising more than $700 million for its Partner Agency network. United Way of Central Oklahoma researches human needs within the communities of central Oklahoma and directs resources to 140 programs administered by accountable health and human services agencies to meet those needs by improving the health, safety, education and economic well-being of its most vulnerable citizens. For more information about United Way of Central Oklahoma, please visit www.unitedwayokc.org or call 405-236-8441.

UWCO Media Contact

Karla Stinnett, Vice President of Marketing & Communications 405-523-3534

kstinnett@unitedwayokc.org