United Way Suncoast Announces Over $5.6 Million in Community Investments to Aid the Most Vulnerable Citizens Across Our Region
Ninety-three programs from seventy-seven strategic community non-profit partners providing much needed services to the most vulnerable citizens in our community will receive allocations from more than $5.6 million earmarked for Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, Manatee and Desoto Counties from United Way Suncoast
TAMPA, FL – August 10th, 2020 – United Way Suncoast recently completed the first year of funding (FY 20) utilizing its new investment process. United Way met with over 400 individuals representing non-profit agencies, funders, business leaders, volunteers, and team members. These key stakeholders helped design and shape a new process to guide investments in our community, leading to greater impact and results for our most vulnerable neighbors.
A full list of the programs that are included in this funding can be found by visiting https://unitedwaysuncoast.org/what-we-do/community-partners/
Community investments were aligned to priority areas and focused on Asset Development, Early Learning, Financial Stability, Workforce Development and Youth Success across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, Manatee and Desoto Counties, with a special concentration on those programs serving the A.L.I.C.E. (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population.
These hardworking households live paycheck to paycheck, one crisis away from financial ruin. Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, 44% of all households across our five-county footprint, were not earning enough to cover basic necessities. That percentage is much higher for households of color, who have also been disproportionally impacted by COVID-19. As COVID-19 spread across our region, they struggled to feed their families, keep a roof over their heads, pay for basic needs and access educational resources for their children. United Way Suncoast has been advocating for these families and serving our community for nearly 100 years by addressing access to quality education, removing barriers to financial stability and providing help during times of crisis.
Eligible non-profit human services agencies began the application process in January 2020 for funding beginning in July. Funding recommendations were decided by a panel of community experts based on the applications and supporting documentation submitted.
United Way Suncoast will engage our new strategic community partners through learning communities focusing on key strategic priorities and will measure impact and results of each program throughout the year.
“In the true spirit of community and collective impact, United Way Suncoast volunteers did a thorough and thoughtful review of all requests. We are proud to support many high-impact programs that will do so much good across our region. At United Way Suncoast, we never stop advocating for our community. Through our partnerships and expertise, we create bold solutions to our biggest challenges – uplifting lives and achieving equity for generations to come.”, says United Way CEO Jessica Muroff.
About United Way Suncoast
United Way Suncoast fights for the education and financial stability of every person in the community through educational programs that give children the skills to succeed, helping adults achieve long-term financial stability and activating caring individuals through volunteerism. We are proud to serve the people of DeSoto, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties by operating and funding services and programs to help create a stronger, more vibrant community.
For more information, visit www.unitedwaysuncoast.org.