United Way of the River Cities

United Way distributes funds to human service organizations through a competitive grants process. Organizations apply for funds during the summer,volunteers review the applications and make recommendations to the board of directors, which approves the final funds distribution by december 30. Funded partners provide semi-annual reports on their work, including their progress on outcomes. Funds are awarded to support a saefty net of services, and for strategies that address critical community issues.

Uwrc conducts fundraising year-round. Fundraising events are generally held in the spring and/or summer. the annual workplace campaign is conducted in the fall. Funds raised through the year are distributed to the community through the grants process. Volunteers assist with the fundraising events and the workplace campaign. Therefore, fundraising expenses are kept to a minimum through the use of volunteers and other in-kind support.

Uwrc's education initiative is a community collaboration that works on a continuum to ensure that children succeed. Early childhood efforts focus on early brain development and preparing children for kindergarten through the programs like the brain under construction zone, community baby showers, and born learning trails. United career launch is an internship program for high school students where students are transported to various work sites to participate in paid internships. Guest speakers also visit the school to discuss potential careers and provide financial education on basics like opening a checking account and managing money.