United Way of Lebanon County is focused on addressing
systemic issues through a collaborative community approach. Launching in 2019,
the "Breaking Barriers. Building Community." Framework will align
community resources to better serve this Lebanon County Community.
The
2019 Investment Framework is a significant milestone in the carefully and
timely transition to move United Way from a community chest, serving as a
funder to a limited number of non-profits, to that of community impact
organization with a focus on long-term systemic issues, collaboration and
achieving measurable results. This framework identifies community goals
that when achieved will empower adults, families and children alike to rise
from poverty, break multi-generational barriers, and reach their potential.
Planning
for this collective impact funding model began in 2015 with a vision setting
meeting between United Way and its 20 local member agencies. These meetings
continued bi-monthly through 2016 when United Way committed to exclusive
funding through 2019 to ensure member organizations were equipped to succeed in
this new era of increased accountability. From fall of 2016 through fall of
2017, United Way partnered with the Center for Survey Research (Penn State
University) to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to determine needs
within our community to focus on once United Way funding shifted to collective
impact.
Community
Goals:
- Literacy
Lebanon - Raising Readers: Ensure that 90% of children are reading on
grade level by the end of third grade by 2025.
- Developing
Youth for Tomorrow: Ensure that 100% of youth are connected to work or
school by 2025.
- Empowering
Adults & Families: Move 7,000 adults to self-sufficiency by
2025.
- Safety
Net Services: Ensure that our community members in critical situations can
stabilize and that their basic needs are met.
- Live
United Grants: one-time grants so that United Way can respond to community
needs year-round.
The
application process began October 1, 2018. Funding for the collective impact
initiatives will begin on July 1, 2019. Live United Grant funding will be
available upon completion of the fall 2018 grant application and approval
process. 501(c)(3) organizations committed to improving lives and
working collaboratively with diverse partners across all sectors are encouraged
to submit their proposals for multi-year grant funding.
United
Way is looking forward to collaborating with individuals and organizations
throughout our community to shape a positive outlook for all residents of Lebanon
County.
For a graphic representation of United Way funding opportunites and related goals, please click here.
