Programs Supported

Allocations and Agency Relations
Working with other organizations, United Way determines most pressing needs in our community. Each year volunteers review requests for funding by United Way's member agency programs to ensure that funds go to effective, well-run programs that achieve result in meeting critical community needs. Funding goes to specific programs at agencies, rather than their overall budgets, which helps direct funding to priority needs and prevent duplication of services.

Community Planning
United Way takes leading role in organizing partnerships with other organizations and community initiatives to solve problems and improve quality of life for Broome County residents. Some examples: working with several other organizations, United Way is working to improve child care, project  future needs of area seniors, and improve health care for children.

Donor Choice  
Allows United Way donors to designate specific area of service (such as strengthening families or assisting older adults), individual United Way agency, United Way in another community, or another charitable organization as recipient of part or all of contribution. 

First Call For Help  
Assists telephone callers with identifying appropriate services to meet needs. Professional staff use computerized data base of information, national directories, and other resources. Printed materials available.   

Teaming for Technology
Assists local nonprofit organizations by providing computer technology, planning, and training. Helps organizations acquire and install hardware, software, and training services. Provides assistance in converting databases, hardware/software troubleshooting, computer installation, and networking.

Venture and Special Assistant Grants
One-time grants made yearly to local health and human services agencies for about 12 to 15 new projects related to high-priority community needs or special projects that can not be covered by organization's normal budget.

Voluntary Action Center
Links people with agencies in need of volunteers and promotes volunteerism in community. Coordinates annual Day of Caring program, when volunteers complete projects at local nonprofit organizations on anniversary of September 11, 2001, and GROW BROOME project, in which about 12 to 15 local non-profit agencies grow vegetables, donating at least half to Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW) for distribution to area's needy. 

Updated: July 21, 2008