United Way of Allen County excels at studying data, identifying problems and crafting solutions, according to the nonprofit's president and CEO.
David Nicole said that well-worn process omits a significant step, however.
“You notice that nowhere in there is talking to the people who are facing the problem,” he said.
The organization addressed that flaw last year by convening community conversations that gathered local input on what residents' ideal community looks like. Answers from more than 500 participants factored into a course correction for local United Way leaders, Nicole said.
Starting with the next three-year funding cycle, which begins July 1, 2019, the nonprofit will concentrate its support on programs and agencies that help working families who are struggling to make ends meet. United Way's current challenge is deciding how to measure grant applicants' effectiveness in addressing its new focus.
Removing barriers
About 40 percent of local families routinely face heartbreaking decisions, including whether to spend limited cash on food or medicine, Nicole said.
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