When does Coordinated Funding start, and how long will it last?
Coordinated Funding efforts started this year (2011). It will continue through June of 2013 as a two-year pilot.

How can I have a voice in the process?
The funders will work with the six coordinating agencies (see the How It Works section) to establish shared community priorities. Your nonprofit can contribute to this discussion by participating in those agencies’ convenings and collaborations.

In addition, as a part of this two-year pilot, the funders will provide structured opportunities for your feedback and ideas about Coordinated Funding. You are also welcome to contact funders anytime to give feedback, ask questions, and offer ideas for how we can improve the system of care for those most in need in our community.

Is my nonprofit required to become a member of one of the six coordinating agencies?
No. However, collaborative engagement by agencies will be considered during the competitive grant processes.

Does Coordinated Funding diminish the total funds available for human service agencies?
No. Each funder independently determines how much money it can invest in Coordinated Funding.

Does Coordinated Funding diminish the total funds available for non-human service agencies?
No. AAACF in particular has a history of investing in a broad range of nonprofits representing the entire sector, and will continue to do so at levels consistent with its historical giving.

How does this affect the grant cycles for each of the three funders?
Please refer to the websites of the Office of Community Development, the United Way of Washtenaw County, and the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation for details about each of our grant cycles.

Will the funders retain their independence?
Yes. While we are coordinating our work around common goals and investment recommendations, final authority for distributing funds rests with the independent board of each funder.

Is this an effort by the funders to force mergers among nonprofits?
No. Local funders recognize that merger efforts must be driven by the agencies themselves. Coordinated Funding does encourage agencies to explore ways to engage one another in meaningful collaborations that increase agency sustainability and improve services to those in need.

How will Coordinated Funding be evaluated?
There is an oversight committee comprised of volunteers and staff from the three funders that meets periodically to review the process and make appropriate changes if necessary.  We will also seek periodic input from the nonprofit health and human service providers who participate in the process. Select agencies have already had the opportunity complete an online survey about the process.