OUR CORE SERVICES
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT: The community needs assessment process enables the Fond du Lac Area United Way to identify and address unmet needs. Information is gathered through a public gathering of opinions and perspectives. In addition United Way partners with the Fond du Lac Public Library and UW-Extension Services to collect and maintain socio-economic data of Fond du Lac County around ten specific indicators, such as housing, education, aging health and more. The report is entitled L.I.F.E. in Fond du Lac County and if you would like to read more about it go this this link www.fdlpl.org and click on LIFE Report at the left hand side of their screen. The abundance of this work provides the information and data needed to determine where United Way should focus it donations. It engages the opinions of stakeholders interested in keeping Fond du Lac a great place to live, work and play.
CAMPAIGN FUND-RAISING: This annual fund-raising effort is conducted primarily through the workplace which is our best known activity in the community and accounts for 75% of the funds raised in our area. Another 10% of our funds comes from individuals and foundation grants. The most popular form of individual giving is through workplace payroll deduction, however we do receive gifts in the form of stocks, bonds, cash, personal checks, etc. The remaining 15% of our support comes from corporate gifts.
COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS The Fond du Lac Area United Way disburses its proceeds by two methods. First, and the largest, is our bi-annual support to community impact programs that are operated by partner agencies. A second method, allows our United Way to make short commitments to any non-profit for special initiatives that address new and collaborative ways to deal with emerging concern to the community and/or a segment of the population.
Fond du Lac Area United Way Community Impact Areas are:
- Building a Healthy Community
- Building a Supportive Community
- Building an Educated Community
Once the community impact investment process is completed, the program funding recommendations are presented to the United Way Board of Directors for their action. The Board's final decision drives the annual campaign goal. Our goal is based on demonstrated need in the community.
FAMILY WIZE PERSCRIPTION DISCOUNT PROGRAM is a prescription discount program that helps families and individuals who do not have health insurance or need medicine not covered by an insurance plan. This card lowers the cost of their medicine by an average of 35%. United Way introduced the card in February 2009 and as of April have saved $2,500 in cost for the people using it. UNITED YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD The United Youth Advisory Board was organized to educate and increase youth awareness and understanding of United Way, volunteer opportunities and community needs and services. Membership consists of juniors and seniors from area high schools in the Fond du Lac Area. Youth Board members explore issues affecting today's youth in our community. The Youth Board conducts its own grant program, responsible for reviewing and evaluating grant requests focusing on youth issues. Youth learn to prioritize needs, review simple budgets and distribute funds based on needs. Youth Board members achieve a greater understanding of United Way, the funding process, community issues and the spirit of community service. This is a collaborative project between United Way and the Fond du Lac Area Foundation and we thank the Foundation for their support.