How to Find and Apply for Them

Transcription

1 GRANT OPPORTUNITIES How to Find and Apply for Them Ramona (Moni) Gaukel, GPC Grants Director United Way of Central Iowa 1111 Ninth Street, Suite 100 Des Moines, IA P C rgaukel@unitedwaydm.org 1 P age

2 Where should I look for grant funding? Corporate partners in your area. Look up their corporate social responsibility goals (CSR) and see if there is a match with your mission and goals. o They could be called lots of different things like global responsibility initiatives, what guides us, Global Reporting Initiative, etc. o If your work does not match their goals, do NOT apply. Forms 990. Guidestar, o Create a free account. Log in. Look up the potential funder. Download form 990. Scroll to the last ¾ of the document and look for grants to see who they have granted to recently. o If you see organizations like yours, there might be a fit. Foundation Directory Online and printed materials, Des Moines Public Library, 1000 Grand Avenue, o They have a free database of grant resources that you can use anytime. If you want to be trained on how to use it, the librarians can show you. Call ahead if you want to make an appointment. Iowa Community Foundations. search.aspx o They have grant resources Iowa Grants. o Grant opportunities provided by the state of Iowa. o State grants are going to be more difficult to write and earn, so don t start here. This is for more experienced grant seekers. Grants.gov. federal grants. o For advanced grants professionals very difficult, but much larger funding amounts. 2 P age

3 Researching other organizations like yours online. Who are their funders? That will give you a good idea of who funds programs like yours. Research potential funders. Do they give grants? If so, how do you apply? Here are a few to look up. You may find a match or you may find nothing, but it is a good exercise. If they do not have a website, give them a call. Funding is all about relationships, so try to get to know people. Aldi Bank of America Banks in your area Breweries CBRE, Inc. Churches in your area Community Foundations Companies in your community Costco Dunkin Donuts & Baskin- Robbins General Mills Hy-Vee Iowa Cubs John Deere Kum and Go Mid-American Energy Prairie Meadows Red Nose Day Fund Sam s Club Restaurants in your area TJ Maxx U.S. Bank United Ways Walgreens Walmart Foundation Wells Fargo Charitable Giving After you are done prospecting, what comes next? Be sure you have required documents. Depending on the funder, you will need some combination of these items. 501c3 or other tax-exempt status Form 990 Board of directors list W-9 Budget Community report or annual report Audited financial statements List of funding partners 3 P age

4 Data about your program Numbers served Volunteer hours Pounds of food donated What else can you measure? Identify the grant you want to pursue Today we will work on the Walmart Foundation grant. First, you have to choose a facility to which you will apply (by zip code.) Stores make the funding decisions for their area, so get to know your store manager! Key elements of the application: Organization Mission: (2000 character maximum) Instructions: Enter a brief summary of your organization's mission and goal. You have 2000 characters. Use them all, if possible. I did a test on a sample application to see if their character count was accurate. And do spaces count as characters? It depends! The Walmart system counts spaces in the character count. My machine counted 1,996 characters and theirs called it 2,000. Sample grant application Use data Be clear and concise Have a friend proofread your request someone who is not familiar with your work. 4 P age

5 SAMPLE GRANT APPLICATION Community Grant Program (This is an online application that I printed out for our activity today. You will need to create an online account at Walmart believes in operating globally and giving back locally creating impact in the neighborhoods where we live and work. Through the Community Grant Program, our associates are proud to support the needs of their communities by providing grants to local organizations. Community Grant Guidelines Overview Community Grants range from a minimum of $250 to the maximum grant of $2,500. Organizations must submit an online application to be considered for funding. The 2017 grant cycle begins Feb. 1, 2017 and the application deadline is Dec. 31, Applications may be submitted at any time during this funding cycle. Please note that applications will only remain active in our system for 90 days, and at the end of this period they will be automatically rejected. Organizations may only submit and/or receive 25 applications (you can apply to different stores in your area.) Eligibility Checklist Organizations applying must meet the one of following criteria: An organization holding a current tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3), (4), (6) or (19) of the Internal Revenue Code, listed on the IRS Master File and conduct activities within the United States; A recognized government entity: state, county, or city agency, including law enforcement or fire departments, that are requesting funds exclusively for public purposes; A K-12 public or private school, charter school, community/junior college, state/private college or university; or A church or other faith-based organization with a proposed project that benefits the community at large such as food pantries, soup kitchens, clothing closets, etc. Funding Exclusions Advertising, film or video project. Athletic sponsorships (teams/events) Capital campaigns and endowments (defined as any plans to raise funds for a significant purchase or expense, such as new construction, major renovations or to help fund normal budgetary items). Contests or pageants. Fundraising events (walks, races, tournaments, dinners etc.) In-kind donation requests, including requests for gift cards. 5 P age

6 Nationally-sponsored organizations: American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, Children's Miracle Network and United Way. Memberships, including association/chamber memberships. Organizations that deny service, membership or other involvement on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, age national origin, ancestry, citizenship, veteran, or disability status. Organizations or programs that do not benefit the communities within the facility s service area. Organizations who apply to a large number of facilities outside of the primary area. Organizations whose programming or policies may position Walmart or the Foundation in a negative light. Organizations whose services do not benefit the community at large. Political causes, candidates, organizations or campaigns. Projects that send products or people to foreign countries or on domestic travel. Registration fees. Requests made on behalf of another organization or by an unauthorized representative of the recipient organization. Request made solely to benefit one person or family. Research Salaries, stipends, tips and rewards. Scholarships (tuition, room, board, other expenses for college/university/vocational school attendance). Third-party giving, including funds that are re-allocated to fiscally sponsored organizations. Tickets for contests, raffles or any other activity with prizes. Selection Process Management at the facility to which you are applying will review the application and make initial funding recommendations on all submitted requests. The deadline for manager review is Jan 8, Make an appointment with the store manager and get to know her/him. Invite her/him for a tour of your facility. Offer volunteer opportunities for store employees. Let the manager know you are interested in helping her/him meet the store s goal for community engagement. Stress that this would be a partnership. Each facility manager may set the frequency and process in which application determinations are made. The facility manager and the grant administrator reserve the right to adjust the amount awarded to each organization without prior notice. Organizations will be notified of any decision via . All funding decisions are final. If an organization is approved, grant checks will be mailed directly to the recipient organization s address listed in the grant application. Please allow two to four weeks for delivery. In the event of being awarded a grant, organizations should contact their local facility from which funds were awarded to schedule a formal recognition event. Cultivate your funders. Don t forget about them until next year. Keep them engaged through volunteering and updates. Apply for Grants Pre-application Questionnaire How should you answer these questions? 1. Does your organization and proposed program directly benefit the communities within the service area of the facility to which you plan to apply? (You choose a store) 2. In which of the Walmart Foundation's areas of focus does your proposed program fall? 6 P age

7 a. Hunger relief and healthy eating is an option on their list. 3. Please select the option that best describes your organization: a. Tax exempt under Section 501 (c)(3), (4), (6) or (19) of the Internal Revenue Code with a valid tax exempt number 4. Are you applying for funding for any of the organizations listed below? If so, please select the organization. American Cancer Society American Diabetes Association American Heart Association Children's Miracle Network United Way None of the above 5. Recognized government entity: state county, and city agency, including law enforcement or a fire department (including volunteer fire department) that is requesting funds exclusively for public purposes (Same as question above - None of the above) 6. K-12 public/private school, charter school, community/junior college, state/private college or university (Same as question above - None of the above) 7. Church or other faith based organization with proposed projects that address and benefit the needs of the community at large. Are you a church or other faith based organization applying for one of the following: mission trips support, Sunday school supplies, youth group trips, or other funding that would support only the members of your congregation? No 8. Other (Do not select this option or you will get this message: Thank you for taking the time to complete our questionnaire. Based on your answers, it appears that your organization is not eligible to submit a Walmart Community Grant application at this time. The program guidelines and FAQs are available at Are you applying for funding for any of the following? If so, please select all that apply. Advertising, film or video project Athletic Sponsorships (teams/events) Capital Campaigns and endowments Contest or pageant Fundraising events (walks, races, tournaments, dinners, etc.) In-kind donation requests, including requests for gift cards Memberships including association/chamber memberships Organizations whose services do not benefit the community at large Political Causes, candidates, organizations or campaigns 7 P age

8 Projects that send products or people to foreign countries or on domestic travel Re-granting funds to another organization or entity Registration fees Requests made solely to benefit one person or family Research Salaries, stipends, tips and rewards Scholarships (tuition, room, board, other expenses for college/university/vocational school attendance) Third party giving Tickets for contests, raffles, or any other activity with prizes None of the above Do you plan to request less than $250 from an individual facility? No (You need to request between $250 and $2,500) Thank you for taking the time to complete our questionnaire. Based on your answers, it appears that your organization is eligible to submit a Walmart Community Grant application. Please click the link below to review and submit an application. Application This is an example of the application questions with which you will be presented. It is recommended that you compose the answers to the paragraph questions in a word processing program and then cut and paste that text into the online application. Contact Information *First Name (Text)(40 character maximum) Instructions: Enter the contact's first name. *Last Name (Text)(40 character maximum) Instructions: Enter the contact's last name. *Contact Title (Text)(50 character maximum) Instructions: Enter the contact's title. *Address (Text)(100 character maximum) Instructions: Enter the contact's address. *City (Text)(50 character maximum) Instructions: Enter the contact's city. *State (Single-Select List) Iowa Instructions: Enter the contact's state. 8 P age

9 *Zip (Text)(5 character maximum) Instructions: Enter the contact's zip. *Telephone (Text)(30 character maximum) Instructions: Enter the contact's telephone number starting with the Area Code. * Address (Text)(100 character maximum) Instructions: Enter the contact's address. Please ensure the accuracy of this address as it will be used for correspondence. *Contact Type (Single-Select List) Board Member Development Staff Executive Director Grant Preparer Primary Contact Program Lead Public Relations Trustee Instructions: Select the contact type that best describes the contact's position within the organization. Organization Information Legal Name (Text)(100 character maximum) Instructions: Organization's name entered during the registration process. If this is blank or needs to be updated, click the Need Support link at the bottom of this page. AKA Name (Text)(100 character maximum) Instructions: Enter the AKA Name of the organization (if applicable). Please use only letters and numbers, no punctuation marks or special characters. *Organization Address (Text)(100 character maximum) Instructions: Enter the organization's mailing address. Please use only letters and numbers, no punctuation marks or special characters. *Organization City (Text)(50 character maximum) Instructions: Enter the organization's city. *Organization State (Single-Select List) (Not Applicable) Iowa *Organization Zip (Text)(10 character maximum) Instructions: Enter the organization's zip code. *Telephone (Text)(30 character maximum) Instructions: Enter the organization's telephone number. Fax 9 P age

10 (Text)(30 character maximum) Instructions: Enter the organization's fax number. Organization's Website Address (Text)(100 character maximum) Instructions: Enter the organization's website address. Enter N/A if not applicable. *Organization Mission (Paragraph)(2000 character maximum) Instructions: Enter a brief summary of your organization's mission and goal *Current Activity (Paragraph)(2000 character maximum) Instructions: Description of current programs, activities and accomplishments. *Organization's Facebook Site (Text)(500 character maximum) Instructions: Enter the organization's Facebook site. Enter N/A if not applicable. *Organization's Twitter Handle (Text)(500 character maximum) Instructions: Enter the organization's Twitter handle. Enter N/A if not applicable. Request History *Previous Funding Requests - All Locations (Single-Select List) N/A More than 20 Instructions: How many Walmart/Sam's Club/Logistics facilities have you applied to for funding this fiscal year? Note: Walmart's fiscal year begins February 1 and ends January 31. *Previous Funding - All Locations (Single-Select List) N/A More than 20 Instructions: How many Walmart/Sam s Club/Logistics facilities have you received funding from this fiscal year? Note: Walmart s fiscal year begins February 1 and ends January 31. *Previous Funding - This Location (Yes/No) Instructions: Has your organization received previous funding from the facility to which you are applying? 10 P age

11 Previous Funding Date - This Location (Date) Instructions: If so, enter the approximate date on which you were most recently funded by this facility. Area of Focus *Primary Focus Category Strengthening Local Communities Hunger Relief and Healthy Eating *Primary Subcategory Strengthening Local Communities ----Public Safety (Police/Fire/EMS) ----Education ----Emergency Housing and Shelter ----Disaster Relief ----Disaster Preparedness ----Youth Services ----Health and Wellness ----Community Event ----Other Hunger Relief and Healthy Eating ----Meal Distribution ----After-School Snack Program ----Healthy Eating Education Sustainability Career Opportunity Sustainability ----Recycling/Waste Reduction ----Sustainable Agriculture ----Natural Resource/Biodiversity Preservation Career Opportunity ----Adult Basic Education ----Job Skills and Readiness ----Job Placement ----Veteran Job Placement ----Women's Economic Empowerment Additional Category (Multi-Select List) Small Business Support Youth Entrepreneurship Education Health and Wellness Instructions: If you are applying for funding from a Sam's Club facility, please choose all that apply. Please note: some answers may duplicate previously selected focus category/subcategory. Community Served Classify your program's target population by completing the following section. Enter a whole number for each applicable population. The sum of your entries must total People Served. Note: Portions of this information are for statistical purposes only and will not be considered when evaluating your proposal. *Area Served (User-Defined List) Instructions: Enter the county or counties served by proposed program one at a time and click the "Add to List" button after each entry. If the organization serves all counties in a state then simply enter "All counties". *People Served (Number)(15 character maximum) Instructions: Enter the projected number of unduplicated individuals served as a result of this funding request. An individual who receives more than one service should only be counted once for this question. *Gender (number) Male Female 11 P age

12 Unknown/Unreported Instructions: Enter the number of people in each gender type that the organization plans to serve as a result of this funding request. The total must equal the number entered in the People Served field above. *Age Group (number) Unknown/Unreported ages Children (0-12) Youth (13-18) Adults (19-24) Adults (25-55) Mature (56+) Instructions: Enter the number of people in each age range that the organization plans to serve as a result of this funding request. The total must equal the number entered in the People Served field above. *Ethnic Background (number) African American or Black American Indian or Alaskan Native Asian and Pacific American Islander Hispanic or Latino Multi-ethnic White Unknown/Unreported Instructions: Enter the number of people of each ethnic background that the organization plans to serve as a result of this funding request. The total must equal the number entered in the People Served field above. Program Information *Grant Type (Single-Select List) Local Community Contribution Hunger Outreach Grant Instructions: Please select the grant type for which you are applying. Note: Only organizations that have been selected as the Adopt a Hunger Organization by each facility are eligible for the Hunger Outreach Grant. Please see our guidelines for additional information. *Requested Grant Amount (Currency)(20 character maximum) Instructions: Enter the dollar amount you are requesting. Please see our guidelines for appropriate funding request amounts. *Project Title (Text)(255 character maximum) Instructions: 12 P age

13 *Program Description (Paragraph)(2000 character maximum) Instructions: Briefly describe your proposed program. *Program Relevancy (Paragraph)(2000 character maximum) Instructions: Briefly describe how your proposed program will be used to meet the needs of the community within the service area of the facility to which you are applying for funds *Fund Use selection (Single-Select List) Food distribution to needy or elderly Breakfast/after school food program Job skills training Veterans support services Disaster relief support Emergency response equipment Vision, hearing, or dental care Disease awareness/prevention Health screening School classroom supplies Playground equipment Equipment for school activities Nondenominational youth mentoring Service animal training/support Spay/neuter or vaccination for stray animals Other Instructions: Please choose the option that most describes the proposed Fund Use. Fund Use Details (Other) (Paragraph)(250 character maximum) Instructions: Provide a brief summary of how the funds requested in this application will be used if this application is selected for funding. *International Funding (Yes/No) Instructions: Is this funding request for an organization located outside of the US, or will the funds be distributed outside the US? Agreement Please read the Grant Agreement provided by clicking the link below. By submitting an application, you are agreeing that the organization will be bound by the terms of this agreement. Community Grant Agreement *MOU Applicant's Name (Text)(100 character maximum) Instructions: Please enter your name, not the organization's name. *MOU Applicant's Title (Text)(100 character maximum) Instructions: *Acknowledgement of Terms and Conditions (Checkbox List) AGREE Instructions: To signify your organization s agreement, and your authority to bind your organization, click I agree. Be sure you have permission of your Executive Director or Board before you submit any grant. 13 P age

14 Where can I find more help? Join the Grants Professionals Association for support. Chapter meetings are held at United Way of Central Iowa, 1111 Ninth Street, Des Moines, Conference Center, Room F. The regular meeting time is from 8:30-10:00 a.m. on the third Tuesday of every-other month (not monthly.) Remaining meeting dates for 2017 are May 16, July 18, Sept. 19, and Nov. 21. You do not need to RSVP to attend chapter meetings. This month, we will talk about the future of federal and state funding, focusing particularly on the arts. To become a member of the Central Iowa Chapter of the Grants Professionals Association, the annual fee is $234 per year. This includes a membership to the Grants Professionals Association ($209 per year) plus local membership of the Central Iowa Chapter ($25). To allow those who find the GPA membership cost prohibitive, we allow non-members to pay local meeting dues to attend chapter meetings. For $40 annually, you are welcome to attend all six chapter meetings per year. Other resources P age

15 Sample of a Successful Grant Application Organization Background Information Mission Statement United Way of Central Iowa s (UWCI) mission is to improve lives by uniting the caring power of our community. We envision a community where all individuals and families achieve their potential through education, income stability, and healthy lives. With nearly 100 years of experience and 20 years of evidence-based grant making strategies, UWCI has a strong record of financial oversight and we have a track record of success in mobilizing employers and employees to raise charitable donations. Overview We are respected in the community and we are often called to the table as the neutral partner in convening projects as a backbone agency, guiding vision and strategy in the areas of Education, Income, and Health. We bring together non-profits working in these areas to make a greater impact. We focus on collective impact, which happens when organizations agree to solve a specific social problem using a common agenda, aligning their efforts, and using common measures of success. We currently fund 130 programs throughout our community, including many we have worked closely with for decades in bettering the community and others that are new partnerships. Board of Directors US Bancorp Employee on Board US Bancorp Volunteers Names of Volunteers UWCI also hosts many direct service projects. United Way Worldwide twice has recognized United Way of Central Iowa as a Center of Excellence in recognition of our alignment of resources to address community priorities in Education, Income and Health. List of names here No Yes Mike Helak, United Way Campaign Volunteer 15 P age

16 Funding Contributors Other funding from U.S. Bank Funding Description Past funding The Principal Financial Group $ 6,035, Wells Fargo $ 3,676, Nationwide Companies $ 1,464, John Deere $ 1,210, DuPont Pioneer $ 1,088, Yes United Way of Central Iowa received Employee Contributions as part of the 2014 campaign in the amount of $35,000. Yes Past Funding Description Executive Director Fname Executive Director Lname Executive Director Address 2014: $35,000 general operating 2013: $35,000 general operating 2012: $35,000 general operating Mary Sellers Project Request Information msellers@unitedwaydm.org Support Type General operating support Project Title Requested Amount Purpose of Request Budget General operating support $32, These grant dollars will be used in assisting United Way to advance the common good by creating opportunities for a stronger community. United Way strategically invests in community priorities of education, income and health - working hard to ensure that children start kindergarten ready to learn, youth succeed in school, families are financially stable and people improve their health and avoid risky behaviors. Funds received from this grant will directly be used to fulfill this mission. n/a Start Date 07/01/2015 End Date 06/30/ P age

17 Other Contributions Support Environmental Project Details n/a No Funds from this grant will be used to support programs and agencies throughout central Iowa. Last year, the campaign supported 303,308 clients over the year. Using the guidelines set forth by these pioneer researchers of social innovation, United Way is a leader in the area of collective impact and serves as backbone organization for our region, offering leadership in the following areas: * Guide vision and strategy * Support aligned activities * Establish shared measurement practices * Build public will * Advance policy * Mobilize funding Request Narrative United Way guides vision and strategy of in the areas of Education, Income, and Health and supports aligned activities, guiding the work of funded partners to make a greater impact in those areas. One of our areas of focus is to provide programs that help individuals and families create better money habits and become more financially capable. Our programs in this area are located in the Urban Core of Des Moines. Over the past fifty years, the Urban Core has lost population to the suburbs and has seen urban decay intensify. It has more persistently low-achieving schools, higher rates of minority incarceration, and higher poverty rates than any other pocket of the state. In this area, children are twice as likely to live below the poverty level and households are three times more likely to rely upon some welfare benefits to get along. According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, a family of four requires $47,000 to meet basic needs. The median yearly income for a family this size (with both parents employed) in the Urban Core is $34, leaving many families reliant on public assistance, food banks, rent assistance, and other supports to make ends meet. 53% of children from the Urban Core live in families receiving public assistance or food stamps. And, just 39% of Urban Core residents own their own homes, compared to 72% statewide. 17 P age

18 If more students graduate on time, the median personal earnings will increase, poverty will decrease, and unemployment will decrease. In the area of income, we define and measure financial stability at a level where families can meet basic budget expenses on a monthly basis to be at or above 250% of poverty. This is defined for a family of four with two working parents, as a combined income of $48,000. We also promote workforce preparation and advancement through use of career pathways. Issue Addressed If more families become financially stable, our community will see fewer families seeking and needing public assistance, growth in the area s tax base and major declines in crime and incarceration rates. In the area of health, we seek to inspire individuals to improve their health and avoid risky behaviors. Some key markers that we have identified that lead to a healthy progression through life include: Promoting health care access Increasing the percentage who live in healthy environments Increasing the percentage who choose a healthy lifestyle If more individuals lead healthier lifestyles and avoid risky behaviors, children will be better prepared to learn in school and every individual will be able to seek regular preventive care. United Way of Central Iowa's priorities align well with U.S. Bancorp Foundation's guidelines of Economic Opportunity, Self-Sufficiency, and Education. Guideline Fit United Way Strategies in the area of Economic Opportunity and Self- Sufficiency (Income) include: Post-secondary education for homeless youth Individuals attain the education, life skills, employment and/or community resources needed to increase income Provide market driven job training programs focusing on career advancement and career pathways Job placement, retention and advancement Maximize use of tax credits for working individuals and families Low-income working individuals and families have access to mainstream financial products/services Increase financial management knowledge and skills Connect low-income working families/individuals with transitional and supportive housing Connect low-income working families with affordable housing 18 P age

19 Documentation Operating Budget $20,887, Budget Upload 501(c)(3) Upload Audited Financial Statements Upload List of Board of Directors Upload Demographics United Way Strategies in the area of Education include: Post-secondary education for homeless youth Increase financial management knowledge and skills Provide opportunities for mentoring/adult advocate/tutor relationships for youth to engage in learning Copy of Finalized FY16 Budget and FY15 Budget and Projection print version.pdf IRS Exemption Letter.pdf UWCI_2014_Financial_Statements.pdf UW Board List Names, titles.pdf Priority Area United Way Ethnicity Served Caucasian: 58% African American: 18% Hispanic: 8% Native American: 2% Pacific Asian and Asian: 3% Multi-racial: 11% Gender Served Female: 51% Male: 49% Geographic Impact Target Age Population Served Iow a CE Iow a Region All: 100% Low income: 100% 19 P age

20 Income Less than 50% of area median income*: 90% Between 50%-80% of area median income*: 9% Between 80%-120% of area median income*: 1% Qualifying Criteria Not applicable Implementation and Evaluation Education: United Way and its partners successfully ADVOCATED for $9 million in state funds to increase the number of K-3 Iowa children reading proficiently. The funding provides evidence-based programming, instruction and assessment practices in Iowa schools. 2,300+ children participated in quality early learning environments to enhance school readiness. 5,571 students reengaged in high school, working toward graduation as a result of United Way-funded programs. 8,381 elementary and middle school students participated in United Waysupported quality after-school programs to improve learning outcomes. Income: Previous Funding Results 6,200 people participated in workforce development programs; 1,700 were placed in jobs. 6,654 individuals/families received legal assistance for housing, employment and family law issues. 185 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) VOLUNTEERS contributed 8,364 hours to prepare tax returns free-of-charge for 5,787 lower-income Central Iowans, returning $9 MILLION to the community. 655 people enrolled in postsecondary education and 95% completed and obtained a job credential. 1,206 people worked on their HiSET (formerly GED) and 68.6% were successful in obtaining their high school equivalency. 19,569 people participated in financial education and coaching programs. 20 P age

21 Health: 20,986 adults and children accessed health care coverage programs. 303,620 pounds of food were donated to local nonprofits through the Food Rescue program. 232 community gardens contributed 150 tons of fresh, healthy produce to local pantries. 3,274 adults and children who otherwise would not have had access received mental health services. 39,888 adults and children participated in United Way-funded programs that support regular physical activity. United Way has established bold attainable goals in each of the three community impact areas: Our EDUCATION Goal United Way of Central Iowa has set a community-wide goal to increase the percentage of central Iowa students who graduate from high school from 83.4% (2008) to 95.0% by The current total is 92.11%, up from 83.36% in Children who don't read proficiently by fourth grade are more likely to eventually drop out of school, meaning early vocabulary development is critical. Today, United Way supports 2,300 children at 18 early-learning centers, helping to ensure they start kindergarten ready to learn. Anticipated Outcomes Our INCOME Goal United Way of Central Iowa has set an aggressive community-wide goal to increase the percentage of central Iowans who are financially self-sufficient from 68.4% (2008) to 75% by Today, the total is 64.7% (this trend moved downward because of the recession.) For many lower-income Central Iowans, the cost of living -- housing, childcare, gas, food, and other expenses surpasses their income. Last year, 6,654 individuals took part in United Waysupported GED programs, postsecondary education and workforce training, which helped many of them land higher-paying jobs. Our HEALTH Goal United Way of Central Iowa has set a goal in the area of Health to increase the Well Being Index score from 61.5 (2014) to 64.5 in Last year, 20,986 adults and children accessed United Way-supported health care coverage programs. And United Way-funded shelters or home delivery programs served 350,900 nutritious meals last year. 21 P age

22 In 2008, United Way began using Results Based Accountability as its framework for measuring the progress of funded partners. Results Based Accountability is defined as a management tool that can facilitate collaboration among human service agencies, as a method of decentralizing services, and as an innovative regulatory process. The term implies that expected results (also known as goals) are clearly articulated, and that data are regularly collected and reported to address questions of whether results have been achieved. Evaluation Methods In addition to using Results Based Accountability, United Way needed a way to track the progress of our partners over time. For this reason, we invested in two longitudinal data systems in 2010 to illustrate results in the areas of Education, Income, and Health -"Efforts to Outcomes" and "Results Scorecard." The Efforts to Outcomes system is case management software. It helps organizations track outcomes for individual participants. Its reporting system allows users to make informed decisions. It also promotes performance management. We provide Efforts to Outcomes free of charge to partners that do not already have a case management tool. Results Scorecard allows United Way to compare common outcomes among our non-profit partners. Taking data that each organization inputs, Results Scorecard creates a visual guide which shows progress over time on common goals. The software allows community partners to better define their roles by seeing how their program contributes to overall community well-being. Both systems together make a complementary and complete set of tools needed to affect community change and create a culture of performance management. United Way has two Gold Certified ETO Administrators on staff. 22 P age