United Way of the Greater Triangle Partner Agency Process

Our Resource Investment system is a unique approach to identifying community needs and funding programs that target local issues to influence measurable, lasting change.

Nonprofit agencies are eligible to receive funds in two ways. During the annual fundraising campaign that usually occurs in the workplace:

• Funds that are designated by donors to their favorite charities are invested as the donor has instructed. All that is required is that the organization operates as a 501 (c) 3 agency. There is a place on the United Way pledge form for donors to indicate the charity. There is a minimum $50 designation. Agencies do not have to be Partners to receive designated contributions.

• Contributions that are made to United Way of the Greater Triangle by “Giving United” are invested by volunteers in agency programs and initiatives that meet the most urgent needs in Durham, Orange and Wake counties. These allocations are given to programs of Partner Agencies of United Way of the Greater Triangle. The allocations are for a 12 month period (calendar year) and they are paid out in monthly installments.

Nonprofit organizations that are not Partner Agencies of United Way of the Greater Triangle are eligible to submit proposals to address identified targeted needs through Requests for Proposals (RFPs.) It is not possible to simply apply to be a Partner Agency, although agencies that receive funds through the RFP process have taken the first step toward agency partnership.

The Resource Investment Cabinets in Durham, Orange, Johnston and Wake Counties are hard at work evaluating potential targeted needs for which RFPs may be available. We plan to make this information available on this website by May 2010. The RFPs will be county-specific and interested organizations will complete the standard application for program funding for 2011. If your organization addresses the county needs identified at that time, we will provide you with information about the application process. Current Partner Agencies are given priority for program funding.

Prior to receiving allocated funding through United Way of the Greater Triangle, agencies must also be certified. United Way of the Greater Triangle has established essential Standards of Accountability.  The certification application process occurs after the agency submits a funding proposal, however agencies may benefit by becoming aware of the essential certification requirements.

If your program is funded, the agency doesn’t become a Partner right away. For the first funding cycle, the agency has Affiliate Agency status. If the program is funded in the next funding cycle and continues to be certified, Partner Agency status is given.