The United Way undertakes periodic reassessments of community needs and agency priorities. The allocation committees face difficult choices if two good programs serving a specific age group or geographic area need funding. Drawing on the views of volunteers, agency personnel and the career staff, they look for needs that aren't being met by existing programs. Until recently, for instance, child care was part of the family preservation sector. Now, it is a separate area, not in competition with family preservation programs.
Agencies have to keep on their toes as well.
If an evaluation finds that a program is no longer in a priority area or if it is not functioning successfully, the allocation committee reduces funding, Day said. We have to send a message that they're not meeting the needs we're funding and will have to cut back. This accountability to both contributors and the community appeals to Day as much as the chance to become personally involved with United Way agencies. She pointed out that opportunities exist for volunteer work as well as financial contributions. Hopkins staff members, she said, join with students to teach in the Greater Homewood Association's literacy program for adults.