Every spring, United Way of the Lowcountry opens its grant application process to local nonprofits. This year’s funding opportunity is focused on the Basic Needs and Economic Mobility priority areas.

Here is what you may find surprising – donors like you make our funding decisions.
Each year, United Way convenes panels of volunteers across Beaufort and Jasper counties to serve on our Community Impact Committee. Committee members review applications submitted by local nonprofit agencies, conduct site visits and interviews with agency leaders and determine which ones will receive United Way funding. This process provides an objective, informed evaluation of the impact each agency’s program will have in our community, and the best use of donor’s funding.

We are kicking off our Community Impact review process soon and are seeking virtual volunteers to serve on our review panels.

Who Can Serve on the Community Impact Committee?
The great thing about this process is that we use a scorecard that has taken years to develop, and it does the “heavy lifting.” No experience is needed to participate! Any United Way of the Lowcountry donor may serve on the Community Impact Committee and help determine which programs will provide our community with the greatest impact in the areas of Basic Needs and Economic Mobility.

What is the Time Commitment?
It only takes about two days total to help make a lasting impact. The first step is a two-hour virtual ZOOM training session. There are three different opportunities to attend:

Oct. 6th @ 9 a.m.   |   Oct. 8th @ 11 a.m.   |   Oct. 12th @ 2 p.m.

Based on your availability and interest, you will be assigned to a panel responsible for reviewing funding applications for up to three nonprofit agency programs. These panels are filled with volunteers, just like you, who want to make a difference in their community. Each application will probably take you about two to three hours to read and score.

Finally, you will attend a virtual presentation from the applicant agencies that you have reviewed. During the presentation, you will have the opportunity to ask questions in order to decide which programs should receive funding and at what levels.

Basic Needs Program Site Visits
November 8th – All Day
November 9th – All Day
November 10th – All Day
November 12th – All Day

Economic Mobility Program Site Visits
November 16th – All Day
November 17th – All Day
November 18th – All Day

So How Do You Become a Community Impact Volunteer?
If you are interested in participating, click here to email Chrystie Turner or call her directly at 843.379.3067 no later than September 30, 2021.