Community Investment Program (General Funding)

Community Investment Program

Geographic Scope: Knox County, Ohio

Focus Areas:

• Health
• Education
• Financial Stability

Program Description:
Annually, the United Way of Knox County dedicates funds to local initiatives demonstrating significant impact. This funding initiative, known as Community Investment, is driven by volunteer efforts. The program ensures that every dollar donated is allocated to initiatives that align with United Way's strategic focus areas.

How It Works:
The Community Investment Program is administered through a transparent, multi-stage funding process:

The Funding Process:

1. Application Phase: Agencies undergo thorough vetting to ensure alignment with United Way's objectives
2. Community Impact Panel (CIP) Interview: Diverse community members assess the potential impact of proposed programs
3. Community Investment Committee (CIC) Review: Committee reviews applications and CIP evaluations, formulates funding recommendations
4. Board of Directors Approval: Final determination of fund allocation

Community Investment Committee Members:

• Todd Hawkins (Park National Bank) - Board Chair
• Sam Filkins (Area Development Foundation) - Member
• Todd Taylor (MarkT President) - Member
• Gordon Arndt (Ariel Corporation) - Member
• Lisa Bragg (Knox Community Hospital) - Member
• Marne Ausec (Kenyon College) - Member
• Levi Curry (Park National Bank) - Member

Contact Information:

• Email: liveunited@uwayknox.org
• Phone: (740) 397-5721
• Address: 305 E High St, Mt Vernon, OH 43050

Application Process

1. Submit Application: Organizations submit detailed applications outlining their program's alignment with United Way's strategic goals
2. Community Impact Panel Review: Volunteers review applications and participate in agency presentations, focusing on potential impact to ensure diverse community perspectives are considered
3. CIC Review & Recommendation: Community Investment Committee conducts thorough review of program outcomes and financials, assessing the foundation for success
4. Board Approval: Board of Directors makes final funding decisions, ensuring selected programs are well-positioned to benefit the community significantly

Application Requirements:

• Detailed program information
• Demonstration of alignment with United Way's strategic goals (health, education, financial stability)
• Evidence of potential community impact
• Program results documentation
• Financial integrity documentation
• Historical performance data

Review Criteria:

• Alignment with strategic focus areas
• Potential for community impact
• Program outcomes and results
• Financial integrity and management
• Historical performance
• Capacity to successfully implement program