United Way invests over $3 Million into Indian River County

United Way of Indian River distributes more than $1,739,299 to nonprofits throughout the county

The United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) announced $1,739,299 in funding for local programs and initiatives. Thirty-six agencies will use the funds awarded to implement programs in the Health, Education, and Financial Stability impact areas. The awards run from July 2022 through June 2024 in a two-year cycle.

“Our organization and these local programs and initiatives we help depend on the support of our philanthropic community,” said Deana Shatley, Director of Community Impact. “We are proud to stand united and partner with these organizations to ensure local residents have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

United Way collaborates with local businesses, government, and nonprofits to meet the most pressing social service issues in Indian River County, large and small. From working to solve over-arching needs such as an aging population to keeping children involved in positive, structured youth activities, United Way has a finger on the pulse of our community. In addition to running a community-wide campaign to raise money for critical human services, the United Way of Indian River County organizes a unique Community Investment Process where over 80 volunteers make decisions on grant applications.

Funds for community partners are raised during United Way of Indian River County’s annual campaign to support three impact areas and generate improved quality of life for our neighbors. Each grant is awarded based on the yearly campaign total, the community goals of UWIRC, and the community’s identified needs.

UWIRC’s 2022-2024 community goals include:

Three Impact Goal Areas have been identified and prioritized by United Way:

1. Education – Helping children and youth achieve their potential through:

• Early Learning - All children are nurtured by caregivers who promote early learning and development to prepare them for kindergarten.
• School and Academic Success - All children succeed and achieve in school, and students will continue to stay on track for High School Readiness.
• Graduate for Success - Students graduate high school on time, prepared for continuing education, work, and life.

1. Financial Stability – Promoting financial stability and independence through:

• Basic Needs - All people have access to an adequate supply of nutritious food. In addition, all people have access to safe, sustainable housing.
• Family Sustaining Employment & Workforce Skill Development - All people who want to work have the skills and resources they need to seek, gain, and maintain employment. Lower-income working families and individuals achieve and retain life-sustaining employment.
• Stabilization/ Manageable Expenses - Individuals have the financial resources and assets to avoid a financial crisis.

1. Health – Improving people’s health and well-being by:

• Addressing Healthy Weight, Major Depressive Episodes, Ability to Live Independently, Children's Oral Health, Child Abuse, Prenatal Care, Children's Mental Health, Maternal Health, and Childhood Obesity.

To be considered for funding, community partners must submit an application, report measurable outcomes biweekly, and focus on particular communities or neighborhoods with the most need.

All agencies made presentations during the Citizens Review Process, where volunteer funding panels make recommendations to the UWIRC Board of Directors based on how well the agencies addressed United Way’s funding priorities.

“As our community continues to grow, so do the needs. The programs are working,” said Meredith Egan, Chief Executive Officer. “I greatly appreciate our board and committee members who are dedicated to upholding our mission and making these strategic investments possible.”

The United Way of Indian River County Community Investment for 2022-2023 includes support of programs and initiatives in the following categories.

• Education: $756,921
• Health: $569,862
• Financial Stability: $412,516

Volunteers make all funding decisions in the community and dedicate their time to ensure our donor’s dollars are spent with its citizens in mind, that the community’s main priorities and interests are represented, and that United Way is partnering with effective and goal-driven organizations in building a stronger community.

Funded Partner Agencies

Additionally, through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, United Way of Indian River County was able to provide an additional $1,971,145 in support to the community through cost savings and federal tax refunds:

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

• Refunded Amount- $1,733,145
• Tax Preparation Cost Savings- $238,000

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TOTAL 2022-2023 INVESTMENT IN COMMUNITY: $3,710,444

For more information on our community impact work and funded partners, please visit our website at www.UnitedWayIRC.org. If you would like to learn more about being a funded partner or joining our Citizens Review Panel, please contact Deana Shatley at [email protected] or (772) 567-8900, ext. 114.

These grants are made possible by the funds raised during the annual campaign by thousands of community investors and corporate partners. United Way is committed to serving as a strategic steward of these community dollars.

About United Way of Indian River County

United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every community member. United Way works with local programs to provide resources to individuals and families in crisis today while working year-round to improve community conditions and create lasting solutions. We are effectively building a strong foundation and improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. For more information about your local United Way, please call (772) 567-8900 or visit our website, UnitedWayIRC.org.