The United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) seeks enthusiastic and community-oriented volunteers to participate in their Citizens’ Review Panels. This unique opportunity allows residents of Indian River County to play an active role in the annual evaluation of funding requests, directly impacting the local community.
Each year, UWIRC gathers a team of volunteers to form panels that review grant applications, conduct insightful site visits, and assess the programs of various organizations seeking support from United Way. The outcome of these evaluations is pivotal, as the findings and recommendations of the Citizens’ Review Panels are then considered by United Way’s all-volunteer Board of Directors.
These insights significantly shape the funding strategies for vital programs and services within UWIRC’s key focus areas: health, education, and financial stability. Volunteering in this process empowers individuals to guide the allocation of local donor funds toward the most pressing needs within the community. This year, an impressive number of 35 agencies have submitted requests for grant funding in the critical areas of health and financial stability.
Partner organizations of UWIRC are held to high standards, requiring them to meet rigorous eligibility criteria annually. They also need to submit quarterly performance metrics and biannual program outcomes, ensuring utmost financial transparency and accountability for all agencies benefiting from United Way funds. This rigorous process is integral to addressing the community’s essential social service needs, with all partner organizations dedicated to serving the health and human service requirements of the Indian River County residents.
In an empowering move, local volunteers are given the full authority to make all funding decisions. United Way’s funding is focused on programs that drive positive change within the community, especially targeting services for vulnerable individuals in various neighborhoods of Indian River County. Emphasizing the local impact, Funds raised here, stay here. United Way operates its grant funding on a two-year cycle, requiring agencies to reapply each term to continue receiving support.
“We encourage residents to become a part of the Citizens’ Review Process – the backbone of our agency vetting,” said Jeff Petersen, UWIRC Board Chair. “It’s an amazing experience to voice your concerns and ensure that United Way is leveraging our community to ensure the dollars we raise go toward the programs that are doing the best at addressing our Indian River County’s most unique needs.”
Volunteers who join this initiative can collaborate with and get to know other dedicated community leaders, volunteers, and service providers. An orientation session is scheduled for March 27, 2024, and volunteers must register before this date. The Citizens’ Review Process commitment is expected to be around 10-15 hours throughout April.
For those interested in applying, volunteer applications are available online at UnitedWayIRC.org/CRP. Additional information about joining the Citizens’ Review Process can be obtained by contacting Deana Shatley at (772) 567-8900, ext. 114, or via email at Deana.Shatley@UnitedWayIRC.org.
The United Way of Indian River County is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to every community member’s health, education, and financial stability. Working alongside local programs, United Way provides resources to individuals and families in crisis while striving to improve community conditions for lasting solutions. Their ongoing efforts are centered on building a strong foundation and enhancing lives through the community’s collective efforts. For more information about the local United Way, please call (772) 567-8900 or visit their website at UnitedWayIRC.org.
