philosophies & principles

In support of the United Way of Guelph & Wellington’s mission statement and organizational values, the following funding philosophies and principles are used to guide the fund distribution decision process:

1. That the United Way will distribute:
   
   
   1. On the basis of community need (as determined through a series of need identification processes)
   2. To a specific program within an agency
   3. On a multi-year basis
   4. To programs serving Guelph & Wellington
   5. To charitable/not-for-profit agencies that maintain a volunteer board and management structure
      
      
2. That the United Way will make an effort to provide current and potential donors with a broad range of supportable programs and to minimize where possible fundraising by United Way agencies.
   
   
   1. Agencies/programs whose budgets are less than $10,000 should receive consideration for full funding from United Way
   2. Agencies with minimal staff (1–2) should receive consideration for full funding from United Way
   3. The United Way will work with small non-statutory agencies to expand their funding base through the encouragement of fee-for-service and assisting in securing government grants
   4. Priority will be given to those United Way funded programs that receive less than 80 percent government funding
      
      
3. That the United Way’s fund distribution process will maintain the following community service and financial priorities:
   
   
   1. 50/50 balance between prevention and direct intervention programs
   2. 10 percent of allocations should be reserved for either innovative programming or programs addressing critical social issues
   3. On the basis of community program and financial need, funds should be distributed equitably across all community service and geographic sectors
      
      
4. That in its monitoring/fiduciary role, the United Way will:
   
   
   1. Maintain a commitment to Outcome Funding principles
   2. Fund on the basis of an aggregate of agency and program needs
   3. Support those organizations demonstrating a commitment to United Way principles and guidelines
   4. An agency program currently receiving one third of its funding in a three-year cycle, and that is expecting to experience more than a 25 percent change from its previous allocation, can benefit from a phased up/down practice. The specific arrangements will be tailored to that particular agency’s program and within the United Way’s financial means
      
      
5. That in the establishment of allocations funds:
   
   
   1. Available dollars for fund distribution be taken to mean campaign receipts less campaign-related costs, less a percent or a specific amount for unfulfilled pledges, less donor designations (if appropriate).
      

For more information about the Fund Distribution policies and procedures, see our Allocation Manual.

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