What Is the Funds Distribution Process?

The Funds Distribution process is a volunteer-led, community-centered effort that reviews and recommends how campaign funds are allocated to partner agencies each year. It is independent from United Way staff and board members — community volunteers reflect the diverse voices of donors and make recommendations based on direct engagement with agencies, outcomes, and data.

This process ensures that donated dollars are invested where they are needed most in healthy communities, youth opportunity, financial security, and community resiliency across Centre County.

Why Volunteer?

By serving on a Funds Distribution review panel you will:

• Represent our community — volunteer reviewers help determine how donor contributions support essential programs throughout the county.
• Gain insight into nonprofit impact — learn first-hand how partner agencies operate and the measurable differences they make.
• Contribute meaningfully without a huge time commitment — panel work typically takes 4-6 hours over 1 month during March and April.
• Learn more about real needs in our community — build your understanding of human service priorities and how community solutions are funded.

What Does It Involve?

Volunteering for the Funds Distribution process includes:

1. Completing a simple registration form with your availability for site visits.

2. Attending a 1 hour volunteer training session.

3. Reading agency applications supplied via email prior to the site visit.

4. Visiting partner agencies in person with a small panel team (each visit is ~2 hours).

5. Reviewing final panel reports via email.

You’ll be part of a small team, led by a panel chair, working together to evaluate programs and recommend funding ranges.

Who Can Volunteer?

We recruit volunteers from all walks of life — whether you’re connected to a business, nonprofit, school, government, or simply care about our community’s well-being.

First-time United Way volunteers are always welcome!

Note: If you are already involved in a partner agency’s governance or operations, we can still include you — you may be assigned to panels visiting other agencies to avoid conflicts of interest.