Years of in-depth research, community engagement and exploration of systems-change work has culminated in a transformative new approach to United Way partner funding. Rooted in our mission of empowering everyone to achieve economic well-being, this evolved funding model reflects our deepened commitment to driving meaningful, measurable community change.
In late 2021, United Way of Greater Cincinnati began to reimagine its role as an impact-first organization. With a century-long history of investing in the community, we started asking the community to inform our work; to tell us which challenges to address and what solutions work best. Then, we looked at data to strengthen our findings. The result is a process designed to support partners in both responding to immediate needs and innovating long-term solutions.
Funded partners now fall into one of three pools, each with varying levels of collaboration and expectations. In addition to more regular touchpoints, there will be opportunities for peer-led learning and a co-created vision for success.
As we enter this new chapter, we will continue to solicit input, adjust when necessary and amplify our partners’ work. Together, we’re building a better future for our region — a future where everyone can thrive.
Insights from a community study guided funding refinements and collaborations with key partners.
Co-creation of the following opportunity area portfolios:
View the 2022 Community Insights Report Summary:
Met with organizations in each portfolio to understand the root causes of community issues and identify some prototypes for solutions.
Explored goals and tested ideas within each portfolio to determine which to implement in year two.
View prototypes generated by Responding to Community Need portfolio:
Using feedback from the testing period, determined which prototypes to advance to the planning stage.
View photos from the August 2023 Convening:
Developed and activated implementation plans for select prototypes.
System Change Prototype Leads:
Announced 2024-2025 funded community partners whose work built upon the collaborative, systems-change work developed in previous cycles.
Hosted partner convening; cohorts shared learnings from their prototype work.
Announced partners to receive funding guided by the new collaborative structure. Work continues on solution prototypes.
Insights from a community study guided funding refinements and collaborations with key partners.
Co-creation of the following opportunity area portfolios:
View the 2022 Community Insights Report Summary:
Met with organizations in each portfolio to understand the root causes of community issues and identify some prototypes for solutions.
Explored goals and tested ideas within each portfolio to determine which to implement in year two.
View prototypes generated by Responding to Community Need portfolio:
Using feedback from the testing period, determined which prototypes to advance to the planning stage.
View images from the August 2023 Convening:
Developed and activated implementation plans for select prototypes.
System Change Prototype Leads:
Announced 2024-2025 funded community partners whose work built upon the collaborative, systems-change work developed in previous cycles.
Hosted partner convening; cohorts shared learnings from their prototype work.
Announced partners to receive funding guided by the new collaborative structure.
Work continues on select initiatives developed within the systems-change opportunity areas developed in preceding years. The projects tie to United Way’s current impact strategies and focus areas: Educational Success, Financial Empowerment and Housing Security.
Messaging Playbooks – Building coalitions to create a messaging framework and vision around important issue areas.
Cohorts have already completed messaging toolkits related to income-aligned housing and early learning and will begin working on another focused on financial empowerment in August 2025.
United Way appreciates the partner organizations that collaborated on this transformative undertaking. Your insights and trust helped guide the process, and we value your commitment to supporting a region where everyone can thrive — now and in the future.
Partners
Prototypes
Collaborative Hours
Building a strong community where all people can thrive depends on your generous support.
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