United Way – United By Mission, Driven By Impact
VERO BEACH, FL, Aug. 13, 2020- United Way of Indian River County is investing $1,903,282 in community investment grants for the 2020-21 fiscal year. A total of 45 local nonprofits and 7 community collaboratives have received funding. United Way’s role in the community is to bring people and resources together to solve problems too big for anyone to solve alone. Collectively, through its leveraged partnerships and initiatives, $4,131,695 has been put into efforts that advance bold goals in improving the health, education, and financial stability of all residents.
“United Way-supported services are needed now more than ever, and we are proud of our commitment to these organizations, their critical programs, and to our community,” said Michael Kint, United Way Chief Executive Officer.
United Way of Indian River County’s most recent campaign, which concluded on June 30, will ensure that countless people in the coming year will be helped through programs that receive funding from United Way.
As one of Indian River County’s largest non-government funders of health and human services, UWIRC’s funding strategy is focused on three key elements unique to Indian River County:
• Improving all stages of education through collaboratives and investments in programs that promote quality early learning and literacy, supporting out of school academic programs that boost academic performance, and providing support to increase success beyond high school graduation.
• Improving the financial stability of Indian River County residents by investing in programs that foster long-term economic stability and independence.
• Improving the overall health of Indian River County residents of all ages by investing in programs that focus on increasing, improving, and maintaining overall health and well-being by providing access to general healthcare and mental health support.
The United Way of Indian River County Community Investment for 2020-2021 includes support of programs and initiatives in the following categories.
UWIRC Funded Partners
• Education- $730,519
• Health- $645,637
• Financial Stability- 344,729
Total: $1,720,885
Collaborative & Initiative Support- $56,750
Donor Designations- $125,647
United Way Center (Donated Incubation Offices & Two Conference Spaces) – $54,050
Total: $1,957,332
All funding decisions are made by volunteers in the community who dedicate their time to ensure our donor’s dollars are spent with its citizens in mind, that the community’s main priorities and interests are represented, and that United Way is partnering with effective and goal-driven organizations in building a stronger community.
To broaden United Way of Indian River County’s impact in the community, multiple spaces at their downtown Vero Beach center are available by local agencies and organizations. This includes two large meeting spaces and four incubation offices. The offices, which have no associated fees, allow the occupant to grow and to establish themselves to the point where they are ready for expansion.
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Through the FamilyWize Prescription Savings Program and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, United Way of Indian River County was able to provide an additional $2,174,363 in support to the community through cost savings and federal tax refunds:
FamilyWize Prescription Card Savings-$633,853
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
• Refunded Amount- $1,326,135
• Tax Preparation Cost Savings- $214,375
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TOTAL 2020-2021 INVESTMENT IN COMMUNITY: $4,131,695
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In addition to the traditional fundraising and investment process, this year United Way has raised over $1.4 million for the COVID-19 Community Response Fund, and invested those funds to 35 local organizations across the county. “United Way is uniquely positioned through our partnerships to mobilize community resources to help create lasting solutions for our community’s most pressing issues,” Meredith Egan, United Way Chief Operating Officer.
About United Way of Indian River County
United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every community member. United Way works with local programs to provide resources to individuals and families in crisis today while working year-round to improve community conditions and create lasting solutions. We are effectively building a strong foundation and improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. For more information about your local United Way, please call (772) 567-8900 or visit our website, UnitedWayIRC.org.
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