Programs Supported

Allocations and Agency Relations
Working with other organizations, United Way determines the most pressing needs in our community. Each year volunteers from the community review the 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 the most critical community needs. Funding goes to specific programs at the agencies, rather than the agency's overall budget.  This helps to direct funding to priority needs and prevent duplication of services.

Community Planning
Works with other organizations, United Way takes a leading role in organizing partnerships and community initiatives to determine the best methods to solve community problems and improve the quality of life for the people of Broome County. For example, working with several other organizations, including Partnership 2000, BOCES, and several local school districts, United Way is working to increase the quality of child care in our area. In the Aging Futures Project, initiated by United Way, several organizations jointly gathered detailed information about Broome County's older residents in order to project their future needs. United Way is one of the nine agencies linked together as Broome Community Partners working to improve health care for children through age three in Binghamton.

Donor Choice  
Through the Donor Choice program, each person making a donation to United Way of Broome County may designate a specific area of service (such as strengthening families or assisting older adults), an individual United Way agency, a United Way in another community, or a charitable organization that is not a United Way member as the recipient of part or all of the 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
About a dozen one-time grants made yearly to local health and human services agencies for new projects that are related to high-priority community needs or for special projects that can not be covered by an organization's normal budget.

Voluntary Action Center
Links people with agencies in need of volunteers and promotes volunteerism in the community. Also coordinates the annual Day of Caring program, when volunteers complete projects at local nonprofit organizations on the anniversary of September 11, 2001. 

Updated: October 20, 2004