Community Investment

We believe the best way to strengthen our community is by bringing people and resources together to effect long-lasting, positive change.

Our Community Investment strategy does just that.

OPENING DOORS FOR CHANGE

We fund programs, not nonprofits. For years, we funded the same set of programs. In 2021, we expanded our approach to consider other, well-deserving programs. This year, we're helping fund 21 programs at 14 area nonprofits.

TAKING A SYSTEMIC APPROACH

We are placing a greater emphasis on directing resources “upstream” toward root causes of social issues, helping individuals move towards self-sufficiency. This focus will help knock down the barriers to education, workforce training and jobs.

MAXIMIZING FUNDS

Our new strategy maximizes undesignated funds collected during our annual campaign to support programs that focus on critical needs identified in Springfield's Community Focus Report. This year, all undesignated funds support programs that champion children and provide pathways out of poverty, tackling issues related to health, education and financial stability.

MAKING THE BIGGEST IMPACT

Our Community Investment fund directs undesignated donations to one of three focus areas:

We are sharpening our focus on the upstream, root causes of social issues in our community. These systemic efforts will reduce or eliminate barriers to education, workforce training and jobs. Our upstream focus will fund solutions that help individuals and families become self-sufficient.

Barriers to self-sufficiency may include the lack of:

Reliable transportation.
Affordable childcare.
Safe and stable housing.
Financial literacy.
Workforce training.
Educational support.
Access to health (including mental health) and wellness support.

LEADING CHANGE THROUGH DONOR VOLUNTEERS

Our Community Investment Committee works to make donor dollars go further. The 12-member committee is comprised of donor volunteers from our 14-county service area. They are committed to using a strategic approach to allocate funds that address the priority goals set by the United Way of the Ozarks Board of Directors. Members of the committee serve on one of three panels: Upstream, Safety Net or Innovation.

United Way of the Ozarks Community Investment Committee 2021-2022

Stephanie Weis │ BKD, LLP

Cindy Norman│ American National Insurance

David Pennington | City of Springfield

Meredith Roberts | Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Katelynn Couch | Commerce Bank

Missy Forgey | Commerce Bank

Brandie Fisher | City Utilities of Springfield

Amy Carr | Jordan Valley Community Health Center

Josh Garetson | John Deere Reman

Matt Aug | CoxHealth Plans

Jen Johnson | Springfield Chamber of Commerce

Jennifer York | FORVIS

Austin Beshears | City Utilities of Springfield

Randy Presley | SMC Packaging

Please see the Community Investment Panelist Job Description 2022 for more information on requirements and expectations.