Phase 1: Investment in Planning and Coordination (COMPLETE)
Available Funds: $310,000
Funds Distributed: July 2011
The United Way of Washtenaw County and the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation are coordinating their support for six groups who play key roles in existing human service collaborations and issue leadership. These six groups are the Blueprint for Aging (aging), Washtenaw Success by Six (early childhood), the Washtenaw Housing Alliance (housing), Food Gatherers (hunger relief), Washtenaw Health Plan (safety net health), and the Washtenaw Alliance for Children and Youth (school-aged youth).
The goal of this funding, and related activities, is to strengthen the leadership, infrastructure, and collaboration among local agencies that work on common human service issues. The staff of AAACF and UWWC will make a joint recommendation on how to allocate available funds among these six groups. Each funder’s board will then separately take action on their portion of the joint recommendation.
Phase 2: Investment in Program Operations (COMPLETE)
Available Funds: $4.1 million through a competitive grant process
Funds Distributed: Beginning in July 2011
The Office of Community Development and the United Way of Washtenaw County coordinate investments in essential services for the six priority areas areas (listed above). This competitive application process was completed in May, with the intent to fund for 24 months contingent on available resources.
The goal of this funding is to support agencies in their efforts to achieve outcomes that align with an over-arching community plan. A joint committee with representatives of Washtenaw County, the City of Ann Arbor, the Washtenaw Urban County and United Way of Washtenaw County reviewed and recommended funding decisions. These respective boards have the final approval authority.
Phase 3: Investment in Capacity Building
Available Funds: $245,000 through a competitive grant process
Applications Due: September 27, 2011 at midnight
Timeline for Funds Distributed: December 2011
The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation and the United Way of Washtenaw County coordinate funding for building the capacity of human service agencies to achieve their missions.
The goal of this funding is to enhance the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of the local human service system. Examples of “capacity building” can include, but are not limited to, strategic planning, board and leadership development, program design and evaluation, collaboration and merger, and funding to support new and innovative approaches. A joint committee of AAACF and UWWC staff and volunteers will review all applications together, and develop a single slate of funding recommendations. The AAACF and UWWC Boards will separately take action on their portion of the joint recommendation.