United Way campaign's allocations process uses community input

With Cornell's United Way campaign at 69 percent of its $530,000 goal, some might wonder what happens to that money once it's collected. Who decides where the money goes and how do they go about making those decisions?

The process is not driven by United Way administrators, but by about 30 community volunteers who visit the member agencies that apply for funds, review their requests and make recommendations to the board of directors of the United Way of Tompkins County. The board, also composed of volunteers, makes the final decisions.

"I love the allocations system because it's so accountable to the community," said Diane Shafer, a community volunteer who chairs one of nine teams that reviews the agency requests. Shafer served last year as co-chair of the allocations council, which is composed of the leaders of each team and puts together a final set of disbursement recommendations for the United Way board. "It's a great concept because it's a true grassroots system that works," she said.

Shafer, who has been active with United Way programs in other locations for more than 15 years, said the first thing she did when she moved to Tompkins County two years ago was walk into the local United Way office and ask how she could help.

"As donors," Shafer said, "we can't all take the time to review the agencies. One of the things I like is that the United Way brings together community volunteers who have nothing at stake, volunteers who can take an unbiased look with an outsider's perspective at the programs and agencies, assess their needs and make recommendations."

Shafer's husband, Richard, is the associate dean for corporate relations at the Johnson Graduate School of Management.

Michelle Thevenin, a library administrator and student at the Johnson School, was the chair of the allocations council last year. She points out that 85 percent of the money raised in Tompkins County goes directly to the United Way's 29 member agencies and 10 community councils. "This is a remarkably high number, considering that the National Charities Information Bureau reports 60 percent to be an acceptable figure," she said. The remaining 15 percent goes to administrative expenses.

To determine how the money is distributed, nine allocation teams of four-to-five community volunteers review as many as five agencies. The agencies are usually grouped together by the type of services they offer.

The teams review outcome models, data, budgets and agencies' improvements and particular concerns. They learn about agency objectives, clients, collaborations, gaps in services and any emerging issues the agencies are facing.

"For example, several agencies presented information last year to my team that the fastest growing segment of the population in Tompkins County were people over 60," explained Phil McPheron, Cornell director of graduate and professional student housing in Campus Life, who serves on the allocations council. "This statistic has an impact on resources, funding and program efforts."

The teams then decide how much money should be allocated to each agency; these decisions are based on the impact of the programs, programming initiatives, community needs and other parameters.

The leader of each team is a member of the allocations council, which subsequently meets and reviews each team's recommendations. The chair of the council presents recommendations to the board, which designates the funds. If an agency appeals the allocation, a review team and the allocations council will look over the agency requests a second time.

"Being involved on one of the teams is a great way to learn about these agencies," said Eugenia Barnaba, a senior extension associate with the Cornell Center for the Environment and a new team member. "I find it very valuable because I've given money to them for years. I am overwhelmed by the work that goes into all these programs. I am really impressed with the level of involvement and commitment."

Other Cornell employees involved in the allocations process include Joann Gruttadaurio, a senior extension associate in floriculture and ornamental horticulture who has served several terms as chair of the allocations council last year; Tim Schmidle, a senior research associate in Industrial and Labor Relation's labor economics; Miquelina Tabar, an executive staff assistant in plant breeding; and Nancy Meislahn, director of undergraduate admissions.

If you are interested in the allocations process, in learning more about the benefits the health and human service agencies provide, or in volunteering in Tompkins County, contact United Way at 272-6286.