How Funding Decisions are Made
As the largest non-government funder of health and social services in Saskatoon, United Way of Saskatoon donors expect that United Way knows the needs in our community. They want assurance that their money is invested in programs and services that make a positive impact on people living in Saskatoon.
What many don't realize is the critical role played by a team of local volunteers who each year take on the important task of evaluating and recommending where United Way Community Fund dollars should be invested.
Working in teams, 31 volunteers representing all walks of life - each with an accountant volunteer - scrutinize financial statements and funding proposals. Each agency receives an on-site visit from the volunteers. The volunteer teams meet with agency board members, volunteers, and staff and often have the opportunity to talk to people receiving services from an agency. Volunteers look at the quality of each agency's programming. What positive impact on the quality of life does the agency have? How well does it fit into identified community priorities? What other resources are available to the agency? How cost effective is the agency in delivering its programs and services and does it effectively use volunteers?
There are easier ways to give money away - ways that take less time and use fewer people. But we're talking about donor dollars - your dollars. That's why, at United Way, we put the priority in doing a tough job well.
