In 2005, United Way nationally introduced the concept of "Community Impact" as the means by which local United Way organizations should review their funding programs. The point of Community Impact is to focus United Way generated dollars in targeted and focused areas where they can realize the greatest impact on an issue or need affecting the local community.
Also in 2005, United Way of Becker County commissioned an extensive community assessment to help identify and determine community needs and how well our community was responding to those identified needs. This assessment led the United Way of Becker County to convene focus groups and strategic planning processes. As a result of this work, two tracts for funding were identified in the community:
Community impact; and
Traditionally-supported programs.
In 2010 and 2016, United Way of Becker County commissioned additional community assessments. The findings of these community assessments are used to inform future Community Impact work.
Copies of the community assessments can be accessed below.