overview of social planning

The United Way of Guelph & Wellington is unique. For over 30 years, it has operated as the voluntary Social Planning body for Guelph & Wellington.

The Social Planning Committee compiles up-to-date information on community trends and needs. This information helps to shape United Way's distribution of funds in the community, and is shared with other service providers, government and other funding bodies.

Each year, an in-depth need assessment is conducted on the two funding categories up for review by the Fund Distribution Committee. Research activities include collecting and analyzing socio-demographic data and program information, and conducting surveys and interviews with service providers. This information is developed into research profiles which are published in Research News, a bi-monthly e-newsletter.

As well, the Social Planning Committee regularly holds Community Forums with a wide range of community partners to discuss community needs and develop a community action plan to address them.

The Importance of Social Planning

The Social Planning program was established in the late 1960s to respond to several community needs, as well as to develop a rational basis for allocations. Today, the Social Planning program is responsible for:

Tracking information on key community indicators
Identifying gaps in social services
Building public awareness and understanding community needs
Providing information to the Fund Distribution Committee, government, foundations and other funders to assist with their allocation decisions
Acting as a stimulus for community action