New United Way Funding Model

The new United Way Funding Model focuses on targeted issues as they relate to the building blocks for a good life, education income and health. From that category they focus on what is specific to each individual community and are asking agencies for help in solving the issues.

Here is what we are facing in the Greater Grand Forks Area:

EDUCATION
I. Productive and engaged youth major concerns in the area are:
Youth engaged in risky behavior that interferes with learning
Drug and alcohol abuse among our youth
Bullying behavior

II. Healthy Relationships
Major Concerns:
Families not practicing good parenting skills
Abusive family environment and lack of positive role models

INCOME
I. Achieve greater financial stability and growth
Major Concerns:
Individual not having enough money and resources to met basic needs
Individuals who are unable to increase their job skills due to affordability

II. Building savings and gaining assets
Major Concerns:
Lower income families not having any savings or emergency funds
Lower income families that re not able to build appreciating assets

HEALTH
I. Promoting a healthy lifestyle
Major Concerns:
Family or elder abuse
Substance abuse: binge drinking, alcohol, drug abuse and smoking
Obesity in children and adults
Teenage pregnancy
Mental health wellness

II. The uninsured or under-insured
Major Concerns:
The high number of uninsured or under-insured families/individuals in our community, especially for vision and dental care
The high cost of prescription drugs for families and senior

III. Children not getting at least one healthy meal a day, especially during the summer months when they are out of school
Nutritious meals for all

By identifying these specific issues and looking at the underlying causes, nonprofits can be more proactive and make a greater impact on issues we face in our community.

Posted by Kelly Greenlees, NRS, Grand Forks