Investment Strategy

At United Way of Cass-Clay, our expertise is cultivating solutions to end poverty. By connecting experts and data, we invest in the program and innovative solutions that will have the greatest, long-term impact on increasing access and reducing barriers for families experiencing poverty. We focus on our Bold Goals to create a better tomorrow for everyone.

Community Review Process

United Way of Cass-Clay relies on a strong, volunteer-led process to guide every investment we make. This ensures that donor dollars support programs that create meaningful impact for children and families. Organizations selected for grants become Verified Impact Partners, meaning they have demonstrated alignment with our mission, responsible financial practices, and outcomes that move our Bold Goals forward.

Beginning in 2027, all programs move through one unified investment cycle with two pathways. It allows us to show how immediate support and long-term solutions work together to move our Bold Goals forward.

• Community Essentials supports immediate needs and stability.
• Community Building supports long term opportunity and systems change.

Eligible organizations must follow our application process and timeline to be considered for funding.

• United Way announces the Notice of Funding Availability
  • The NOFA outlines eligibility, expectations, and the goals and strategies that guide investment decisions.
• Organizations express interest
  • Prospective partners submit a Pre Application Letter for consideration.
  • Current Verified Impact Partners move directly into the next step.
• Pathway assignment
  • United Way assigns each organization to either Community Essentials or Community Building and communicates expectations for that pathway.
• Organizations complete the full Application
  • Organizations submit the online Application for their assigned pathway.
• Internal review and coaching
  • United Way’s Community Impact team reviews Applications for clarity and completeness and holds brief coaching sessions to prepare organizations for the volunteer process.
• External financial review
  • United Way’s Finance Committee and approved community finance professionals assess each organization’s financial health and stability.
• Volunteer training
  • United Way prepares Community Impact Committee (CIC) and Community Investment Review Panel (CIRP) volunteers with training on community data, investment strategies, desired impact, key requirements, and evaluation tools.
• Volunteer evaluation and presentations
  • CIC and CIRP volunteers review Applications for alignment with United Way’s goals and strategies.
  • Organizations then present their work to volunteers who help steward donor investments.
• Volunteer funding recommendations
  • The Community Investment Review Panel evaluates each program using United Way’s rubric.
  • The Community Impact Committee then reviews these findings against our goals and targets to recommend the programs that will make the greatest impact toward our Bold Goals.
  • These recommendations move forward to the Board of Trustees.
• Board review
  • United Way’s Board of Trustees reviews volunteer recommendations and finalizes all funding decisions.
• United Way communicates final decisions to all applicants

Measuring Results

All Verified Impact Partners receiving a grant under one of our Bold Goals, Community Sponsorship, Emerging Initiatives, or other funding opportunity must submit reports to measure and describe the impact and activities. These reports include, but are not limited to, shared performance measures, client demographics, and impact stories.

Reporting schedules are unique to each investment type and will be outlined during the application and selection process.