Citizens Review Committee

A committee of local volunteers reviews funding requests, makes annual allocation recommendations, and monitors program and agency spending year -round.

After the annual Campaign is completed, the fund-distribution process begins.  At that time, the Citizens Review Committee establishes a number of Citizen Review Panels, with both community members-at-large and committee members sitting on each panel.  Every United Way of St. Clair County funded agency is then invited to submit a proposal containing requests for program funding.  After reviewing the proposals, the Citizen Review Panels meet with each agency and/or its representatives individually to receive additional information on a program funding request or to address any questions panel members may have.

Once panels have met with the agencies, fund-distribution deliberations occur and recommendations for funding on a program basis is presented to the Citizens Review Committee.  The Citizens Review Committee reviews the funding recommendations of the panels and compiles the final recommendations for United Way Board of Director approval.

Funding decisions are based on previous funding practices, the ability of programs to meet specific human service needs, and the availability of leveraging United Way dollars for community match monies from outside funding sources.

During the year, the Citizens Review Committee monitors allocated funding to specific programs within agencies and provides a communication link between the United Way and the agencies.

To preserve the integrity of the funding process and per the bylaws of the United Way of St. Clair County, the United Way of St. Clair County Board of Directors and members of the Citizens Review Committee may not serve on the board of any funded agency  nor be employed by any funded agency.