Organization Overview

United Way Fox Cities is a community-based organization that came into existence on January 1, 1993. It is the result of a merger between the former United Way, Inc. Appleton/Heart of the Valley and the United Way of Neenah-Menasha. The roots of our current United Way can be traced back to 1947, and organizations called the Community Chest of Neenah-Menasha and the Community Chest of Appleton.

Each United Way is separate and autonomous. The decision making body which governs our operation is the Board of Directors. Ultimately, however, our organization is accountable to our local contributors.

There are 1,350 local United Ways throughout America. United Ways are all volunteer-operated organizations and are classified by the amount of funds they raise in the annual campaign. The classification system is called "Metro Size". For example, Metro I United Ways raise $9,000,000 and above, and Metro XI United Ways raise less than $25,000. United Way Fox Cities is considered a Metro II United Way raising between $4,000,000 - $9,000,000 annually.

CORE SERVICES

FUND-RAISING (CAMPAIGN)  This is an annual fund-raising effort conducted primarily through the workplace. This is our best known activity in the community. In this community, approximately 65% of the funds raised come from individuals. The most popular form of individual giving is through workplace payroll deduction. However, we do receive gifts in the form of stocks, bonds, cash, personal checks, etc. The remaining 35% of our support comes from corporate gifts. 

FUND DISTRIBUTION  United Way Fox Cities disburses its proceeds by two methods. First, and the largest, is our long-term support to partner agencies. A second method, allows our United Way to make short (one year) commitments to any non-profit, health and human service organization in the Fox Cities.

STRATEGIC PLANNING  This committee sets the future direction for our United Way. In addition, this group leads our organization through our triennial Community Needs and Priorities Study.

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS  The Marketing & Communications Committee is responsible for developing a year-round marketing strategy for the United Way Fox Cities. This committee plays a critical role in determining the "message" which our local United Way strives to communicate to the community.

SERVICE PROGRAMS  This area of our organization provides the "direct services" which our community has asked us to assume over the years. A detailed description of these activities is covered in the section titled, "Community Services".

PERSONNEL  The Personnel Committee works in conjunction with the President to establish personnel policies for the paid staff of the organization. This committee is also responsible for conducting the annual performance review of the President, the establishment of pay ranges, job classifications, and is the group which would hear employee grievances, if necessary.

FINANCE  The Finance Committee oversees the assets and liabilities, investments, and income and expenses of the organization. This committee is also responsible for meeting with auditors and reviewing in detail the organization's audit.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

In addition to the Core Services of the United Way Fox Cities, we also offer a variety of other services to the community. United Way's effort to provide additional services, beyond the traditional core services, dates back to 1973, with the establishment of the Information and Referral Program in Appleton. Since that time, we have taken on different projects, and have started different initiatives in the community.

AFL-CIO COMMUNITY SERVICES LIAISON PROGRAM  This program is designed to increase the awareness and involvement of members of organized labor in community services. This is accomplished through a variety of means. Besides active involvement in all of the operations of the United Way Fox Cities, our Community Services Program annually offers an eight week workplace counselor training program, board member and leadership program, and a one day Labor Leader's Community Services Conference. In addition, this program is designed to maximize the active support of United Way from members of organized labor.

2-1-1 This program, started in 1973 as Information and Referral and made the transition to a 2-1-1 call center in October of 2005. 2-1-1 offers an information & referral service to individuals seeking health and human services throughout our community. 2-1-1 is a free and confidential service, available seven days per week, twenty-four hours per day.  We provide special order requests for organizations needing specific information about certain types of services. You may access information on-line in the 2-1-1 section of this website.

EMERGENCY FOOD & SHELTER PROGRAM  This program distributes federal funds to local services with a minimum of bureaucracy. These funds are put directly into local service providers to help provide food and shelter to people in our community. Annually, we coordinate the distribution of funds to agencies in Calumet, Outagamie and Winnebago Counties.

YOUTH BOARD  The Youth Board has been organized to educate and increase youth awareness and understanding of United Way, volunteer opportunities, community needs and services. Membership consists of juniors and seniors from area high schools in the Fox Cities. Meetings occur during the school year and are conducted twice a month on Monday evenings. Through listening to guest speakers, involvement in projects and general discussion, Youth Board members explore issues affecting today's youth in our community. The Youth Board conducts its own grant program, responsible for reviewing and evaluating grant requests focusing on youth issues. Youth learn to prioritize needs, review simple budgets and distribute funds based on needs. Youth Board members achieve a greater understanding of United Way, the funding process, community issues and the spirit of community service.