Community Investments
United Way of East TN Highlands fights for the health, education and financial stability of our community by investing in our community through partnering with local nonprofit organizations that are aligned with our mission to break the cycle of poverty.
Community Investment
United Way Community Investment & Funding Process for Nonprofit Partners
United Way of East TN Highlands is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty and supporting long-term stability across our region (Washington, Carter and Johnson Counties in Northeast Tennessee). Our investments focus on programs that create measurable impact, especially those serving ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households and families living below the federal poverty level. These neighbors are working hard yet struggling with basic needs, and our funding strategy is designed to uplift them.
Learn more about ALICE data for Tennessee here: United for ALICE – Tennessee
What We Fund: Our Impact Pillars
Education
Programs that help children and youth succeed in school and life, including early childhood readiness, literacy initiatives, mentoring, academic support, and services that remove barriers to learning.
Health
Programs that support mental, physical, and emotional well-being, including access to healthcare, behavioral health, substance misuse support, nutrition assistance, and community wellness initiatives.
Financial Stability
Programs that help individuals and families achieve economic independence, including workforce development, financial coaching, employment readiness, housing stability, and resources that move families from crisis to stability.
How the Community Investment Process Works
Our Community Investment process is community-driven, data-informed, and mission-aligned. It ensures United Way invests in organizations that create the greatest impact for families, especially ALICE households in our region. The process operates on a three-year cycle that provides structure, clarity, and long-term partnership opportunities.
Three-Year Strategic Investment Cycle (2025-2027)
Year 1: Community Needs Assessment (2025)
United Way conducts a regional assessment to gather updated data on education, health, and financial stability, host listening sessions, identify disparities, and determine priority needs for the region.
Year 2: Community Investment Alignment (2026)
A Community Investment Team reviews Needs Assessment findings, evaluates nonprofit programs, identifies funding priorities, and recommends investment strategies to the United Way of East TN Highlands’ Board of Directors.
Year 3: Regional Activation (2027)
United Way deepens engagement through regional events, volunteer initiatives, and ongoing stewardship of funded partners.
Investment Model & Community Impact Team
To ensure investments remain strategic and mission-focused, the Community Impact Team (community volunteers with knowledge and experience in health, education, and financial stability) evaluates nonprofit partners, reviews inquiry forms, meets with agencies, reviews quarterly reports, and conducts six-month and end-of-year evaluations. Their recommendations guide United Way’s investment decisions.
Multi-Year Funding Commitment
Nonprofit partners selected for funding during the Community Investment Year will receive a three-year investment commitment. This commitment provides stability and ensures long-term impact in the region. Continued funding is contingent upon meeting the expectations outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Agencies must demonstrate progress in their six-month and year-end reports and must follow all guidelines outlined in the MOU. As long as these commitments are upheld and the agency continues to show strong alignment and measurable progress, United Way will maintain funding for the full three-year investment period.
Immediate Impact Funds
United Way maintains Immediate Impact Funds to address urgent needs or timely opportunities outside the main funding cycle. Agencies may apply at any time, with decisions made by the Board of Directors.
Partner Expectations
- Clear communication and timely updates
- Opportunities to showcase program impact and data
- A fair and transparent review process
- Alignment with regional needs identified through community data
- Potential for multi-year funding stability
- Collaborative partnership focused on long-term outcomes