The United Way of Genesee County and the Heart of Shiawassee – United Way have announced that the Genesee County United way will be assuming all daily operations of the Heart of Shiawassee – United Way effective Monday, Jan. 1. The Genesee County United Way assuming the daily operations will ensure uninterrupted 211 services and the continuation of local United Way investment.
Over the past decade, the United Way movement has experienced consolidation efforts in more than 10 counties in Michigan. This consolidation of services creates significant efficiencies in operations and increases the amount of funding that can be allocated to programs and services within the same United Way footprint.
“In today’s world, it makes so much sense to consolidate in order to provide more resources to nonprofits in the community reaching out to those in need,” stated Tony Burks, United Way of Genesee County board president.
The United Ways will work together over the next six months to ensure a smooth transition. Jamie Gaskin, United Way of Genesee County CEO, will be working with Heart of Shiawassee – United Way Executive Director Mike Dewey to manage the transition process. During any change, it is critical to communicate basic principles and values. Together, the two entities are working to address the following issues and planning strategies:
• Commitment to keep funds raised in Shiawassee County in the county to be invested in community impact areas through a grant-making process in 2018.
• Commitment to establish a grant-making process to take place in the spring of 2018 that includes an advisory board from Shiawassee County and supports an open and competitive grant award process in the community impact areas.
• Commitment to maintain uninterrupted 211 services.
• Commitment to run a United Way campaign in 2018.
As part of the transition, the United Way of Genesee County will develop an operational plan and budget that will be shared with the community. The plan and budget are to be completed and approved by the United Way of Genesee County Board of Directors in early 2018.
