At United Way of Central Illinois, we are looking back at 2023 with grateful hearts.
We love how passionate Central Illinois is about giving back. In addition to volunteerism and donating tangible items, we recognize giving to United Way is a meaningful way for donors to support causes and charities they’re passionate about.
United Way of Central Illinois proudly endorses our funded partner programs; a complete list is available when you click on each of our issue areas at www.uwcil.org/our-impact. In the highly competitive 2023-26 grant process, we relied on the expertise of 25 volunteers and local subject matter experts who spent 600+ hours to examine each application and vet programs thoroughly.
After three tiers of review, including a scored application, in-person presentation, and financial deep dive, programs that were awarded a United Way grant demonstrated measurable outcomes and effective delivery of services for the greatest community impact. In a nutshell, programs provided evidence they’re doing the work they say they’re doing and that it’s making a difference.
Programs that could not meet United Way’s high bar of accountability in this cycle were not recommended to receive a grant award by our volunteers. No single volunteer nor United Way staff makes these investment decisions. United Way’s funded partners tout their grant award as a seal of approval or badge of honor their supporters can take great pride in. Similarly, United Way trumpets earning its eighth consecutive four out of four-star rating by Charity Navigator and Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency (both the highest ratings possible) as a testament to our stewardship.
As responsible stewards of our community’s generosity, our volunteers have done the homework for you, and never take for granted your trust in us. Thank you to all who carefully consider their charitable contributions during this season of giving.
