The Heart of Illinois United Way Board of Directors and Community Impact Fund volunteers recently approved the allocation of grants to support vital health and human care programs throughout central Illinois.
One out of three people in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark and Putnam counties is helped by Heart of Illinois United Way Community Impact Fund programs and initiatives each year. Over the next year, more than $4.255 million will be directed locally to support critical education, financial stability, and health programs that meet needs identified by the Heart of Illinois United Way’s Community Assessment.
Funding decisions are made by more than 100 local volunteers who collectively represent more than 500 years of combined grant review expertise. This data-driven process is based on a set of measurable outcomes that benchmark how well each funded program impacts the knowledge and behavior of the clients served and if the program is financially viable.
Through this multi-year, competitive grant process, the Heart of Illinois United Way Community Impact Fund not only provides a sustainable and reliable source of funding to our partner agencies, it also provides accountability to United Way donors ensuring charitable investments earn the greatest return.
“During a crisis like the current COVID-19 response, your investment in our Community Impact Fund is the best way to support central Illinois. We leverage your donation to continually build a stable foundation of education, financial stability, and health services that remain strong in times of crisis and adapt to meet the greatest needs over time. For more than 99 years, our United Way has proven our collaborative efforts are built for tough times like these,” Jennifer Zammuto, President of the Heart of Illinois United Way, said.
Education, financial stability, and health are vital for building safe and stable lives. But for too many individuals and families in central Illinois, these fundamentals are out of reach. A quality education is essential to earning a livable wage; improving financial stability leads to increased independence; and access to healthcare promotes wellness for all ages.
Last year, just a few of the results from the Community Impact Fund include:
- More than 85% of tutoring and after school students achieved academic success
- More than 94% of adults improved employment
- More than 93% of children and adults learned how to eat more healthfully
For individuals and families in need of assistance, the Heart of Illinois United Way encourages them to contact our 2-1-1 Information and Referral Service by calling 211 or 309-999-4029 or visiting 211hoi.org. Help is available 24/7.
For more information about the Heart of Illinois United Way’s Community Impact Fund, contact Jennifer Zammuto, President, .