Research

United Way has a significant research function, which is supported by our in-house research team. Having appropriate research to guide our work in the areas of Education, Income, and Health is an important component of United Way’s success.

To maximize results in these focus areas, our work and our funding must:

• Meet identified community needs.
  
• Target identified populations
  
• Use proven approaches.
  
• Link to key priorities.
  
• Achieve measurable outcomes.
  
• Deliver cost-effective services.

United Way collects and examines community indicator and demographic data to help identify top priorities and track trends in community strength over time. United Way conducts primary and secondary research, as well as analyzes and summarizes data. This information is provided to volunteers, staff and the community for decision making and action.

United Way is also committed to accountability through careful evaluation – for our own programs and projects as well as all programs that receive United Way grants. It is through identification of targeted outcomes, thorough program planning and delivery, and outcome measurement, that program improvement and strategic investment of United Way funds is achieved.

Research reports and evaluation tools are included in this section and special resources and data can be provided upon request.