United Way refocuses how it serves KC

The United Way of Greater Kansas City has wisely worked to revamp how it provides funds to area nonprofits to better meet this community’s needs.

The change caps 1 1/2 years of work and surveys of donors and chief executive officers. In the past more than 300 programs from about 160 agencies received funding on a three-year cycle in areas of need including education, income and health.

The organization is changing its focus to three categories in what it calls a “Cycle of Success.”

▪ The first is “healthy beginnings,” for children up to age 5. Programs funded by the United Way need to ensure that children are born healthy and prepared to enter kindergarten. It complements the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s Big 5 goal of building a workforce for tomorrow through kindergarten readiness.

▪ “Prepared youth” focuses on young people ages 6 to 20 to meet their academic and developmental needs. That will enable them to build relationships and trust, then thrive in college and beyond. That marries well with programs in area school districts that strive to graduate students who are college and career ready.

▪ “Thriving adults and families” will be supported through United Way programs that focus on making adults more financially secure and able to weather economic downturns.

The changes coincide with 2017 being the 10-year anniversary of four area United Ways merging into one. Jeffrey L. Provost, a partner in Deloitte and chair of the United Way board, said Tuesday that the goal is to give donors “a better return on investment” and encourage collaboration among agencies.

The 2015 United Way campaign took in $35.2 million to address poverty, literacy, career readiness and well-being. Some of the agencies that receive United Way funds have helped forge the changes.

Brent Stewart, United Way president and CEO, plans to meet this week with many agencies to explain the changes so they can better submit proposals for funding in a process that officials expect to be more competitive.

The 2016 United Way campaign begins Sept. 8 and ends Dec. 1. For those who give to the United Way, the goal will stay the same — helping neighbors in need.

This story was originally published May 24, 2016 at 3:00 PM with the headline "United Way refocuses how it serves KC."