Community Impact
40% of families in our communities can’t afford their basic needs.
17% live in poverty.
23% fall into a group called ALICE:
asset-limited, income-constrained, employed families who work and still struggle to make ends meet.
40% are forced to make tough choices – between paying rent, putting food on the table, or buying school supplies for their children.
Our Impact
Counties
Organizations
Programs
Individuals Served
Collective Impact
Collective Impact is a commitment of community members, organizations, and institutions that advance equity by learning together, aligning, and integrating their actions to achieve population and systems-level change.
To make a bigger impact, local organizations need to work together in the same way. This is a big change for our community, but it gives local agencies a better chance to work together, improve their programs, and make the most of the resources we all have.
Our Collective Impact efforts focus on four key areas: Education, Financial Stability, Health, and Housing. Each area has a team led by experts who are trained in a method called Results-Based Accountability.
In short, Collective Impact explains what we’re doing with your support, and Results-Based Accountability explains how we’re making these changes and building stronger communities across our three counties.
Results-Based Accountability
United Way uses a simple but powerful method called Results-Based Accountability (RBA) to make sure our programs truly help the community. By setting clear goals and tracking our progress, we can make smart decisions that improve education, financial stability, health, and housing.
This approach keeps us focused and makes sure every resource is used wisely. With RBA, we’re building a better future, creating lasting, positive change for families and individuals right here in our community.
How Collective Impact Works
It all starts with a common agenda
Everyone in our Housing Collaborative agrees that housing instability and homelessness are big problems in our community, and we believe everyone should have access to safe and affordable homes.
It establishes a shared measurement
If we see more people becoming homeless for the first time, that’s a worrying sign for our community. All of our shelter providers should keep track of this important information.
It fosters mutually re-inforcing activities
After losing their home, someone calls 211 and is connected to a shelter. They work with a case manager who helps them find affordable housing through another organization. Each group—211, the shelter, and the housing service—works together toward the shared goal of finding stable housing.
It encourages continuous communication
Each of our housing partners runs their own programs, but when we meet, we learn about each other’s work, build relationships, and work better together.
It has a strong backbone
United Way supports this collaboration by bringing partners together to meet and review data. We provide staff to help the teams work smoothly and stay on track.
Our Lead Partners
Education
Financial Stability
Health
Housing
Frequently Asked Questions
How do organizations receive grants from United Way?
United Way of Greater Toledo provides sustaining funding for programs currently in operation serving individuals in Lucas, Ottawa, and Wood counties who can show the data-driven results of their work. Our funding supports programs that meet community outcomes in alignment with our Live United Plan in the areas of Education, Financial Stability, Health, and Housing. United Way only funds organizations who are eligible to receive tax-deductible donations and are in good standing with the IRS. Currently, we fund programs on a three-year cycle. Our next grant cycle will open in 2027 (current funding cycle runs from July 2024-June 2027).
Organizations submit applications with an overview of their organization, the program for which they are seeking funding, budgetary information, and the results/impact of their programs.
Who makes decisions about funding at United Way?
Knowledgeable, trained volunteers from across our community comprise our Community Impact Cabinet (CIC). Volunteers are selected via an application process and represent various sectors, are demographically diverse, and some have lived experience with receiving health and human services. CIC carefully reviews applications and selects programs and initiatives to receive funding.
The recommendations for funding from CIC are reviewed and approved by United Way’s board of directors. After selection, programs are closely monitored to make sure they produce positive, measurable results.
How can I get help for myself or someone I know?
Please visit our 211 webpage to learn more about how you can get connected to local health and human service resources.
Have more questions? Please email communityimpactstaff@unitedwaytoledo.org