United Way of the Great River Region

United Way identifies community needs and develops plans to meet human needs in our area. We engage a large variety of community partners in assessing needs and coordinating a community-wide response to local needs. Intended community outcomes guiding our funding choices include: 1. Our youth and children are healthy and well prepared for life in their education, character and life experience. Priority - provide access to sports, life-skills, and learning opportunities for low income families. 2. People's basic needs are met and they progress toward financial independence. Priority - providing basic needs of food, shelter, and utility assistance. 3. Our community has strong families and healthy individuals. Priorities: programs that assist seniors or disabled with employment and self-sufficiency, programs to reduce the usage of controlled substances in youth/children, child abuse reduction. Our annual community caring campaign unites the community in raising funds for our comprehensive plan to improve lives in our area. Local volunteers comprise the community investment teams which review applications and interview agency representatives and then make funding recommendations. the board of directors approves a community investment package which includes annual allocations, special needs grants, a community impact fund, and staff time/office expenses allocated for community improvement work.