THIS PLAN

• Makes funded support for agencies the prime way in which we fulfil our Mission.
• Challenges the Campaign to aim higher and think differently.
• Brings clarity and focus to our Social Planning role.
• Reinforces our commitment to strengthen the not-for-profit sector.
• Mandates us to respond to changes in the community and to be transparent and accountable in everything we do.

 

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS – BY 2013

 

1.  AGENCY SUPPORT:  The Fund Allocation process will become more rigorous and transparent

 KEY ACTIONS TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL

• Develop a process to determine our funding philosophy and short and long term funding goals.
• Develop a model to better assess agency requests for funds.

• Introduce a more rigorous reporting system from agencies based on measurable outcomes to drive decisions on whether funding practices are continued.

 

2.  FUND RAISING: The Campaign will become the undisputed leader in fund raising in the social service sector in Guelph, Wellington County and its service areas in Dufferin County.

KEY ACTIONS TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL

• Increase Campaign targets progressively and ambitiously each year .
• Search out and introduce new and best practices in fund raising as appropriate.
• Create a year round awareness program about the Campaign to support the traditional fund raising period.

 

3. SOCIAL PLANNING:  Social Planning will (1) Inform the fund allocation process and (2) Support a community-based structure that best meets the social planning needs of its service area.

 KEY ACTIONS TO ACHIEVE THESE GOALS   

• Gather and share relevant data that is of most value to the agency’s internal fund allocation process.
• Be an active participant in organizations and groups that set the social planning agenda and determine how best to meet community needs.
• Assist with targeted special projects that advance community social planning as resources permit.

 

 4. CAPACITY BUILDING:  The United Way will help to build and strengthen the not-for-profit sector in Guelph and Wellington and Dufferin Counties.

KEY ACTIONS TO ACHIEVE THE CAPACITY BUILDING GOAL

• Be an active participant in the Funders’ Coalition
• Work with other community agencies on the possible establishment of a Social Planning Council for the service area.
• Explore a possible funding model to support training and development for funded agencies.

 

 5.  RESPONSIVENESS:  The United Way will ensure that it truly reflects, understands and responds to the needs of a rapidly changing community and that this informs all its decisions and actions.     

KEY ACTIONS TO ACHIEVE THE RESPONSIVENESS GOAL

• Review and, if necessary update the Vision and Mission
• Create a comprehensive communications program that fosters dialogue with all sectors of the community
• Build community relationships and partnerships that help the United Way to understand and respond to the diverse, special and multicultural needs of the community.
• Commit to transparency and accountability in everything we do.

                                                

CONCLUSION

 

The United Way of Guelph and Wellington intends to publish progress reports on the phased-in development of its Strategic Plan. It encourages questions and comments on the plan.