Fund Distribution Review Panels

A funding review panel consists of 8-13 volunteers from the community. We normally have nine funding review panels with each panel separately reviewing agency programs within a particular field of service. Review panels are responsible for reviewing member agency programs by conducting on-site visits and program reviews with agencies and discussing and reviewing their budgetary and program information. Each panel will formulate recommendations for the amount of United Way of the Wabash Valley funding to be distributed to agency programs during the proposed year and forward those recommendations to the United Way of the Wabash Valley Fund Distribution Committee. A panel may also be reconvened to review an agency appeal of a program funding recommendation or to conduct a mid-year review of an agency program.

To apply for one of these funding review panels, volunteers should complete and return a Conflict of Interest Form by the due date written on the form. Conflict of Interest Forms may be completed and submitted on-line or returned to:

Community Impact Director
United Way of the Wabash Valley
P.O. Box 3094
Terre Haute, IN 47803-0094
Fax:  (812) 235-3901

Funding Review Panel Conflict of Interest Form Online

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Responsibilities:

• Disclose any relationship(s) with United Way member agencies.
• Communicate with agency directors prior to panel visit to prepare for presentation.
• Work closely with assigned United Way staff to ensure a smooth process.
• Guide panel members through the Fund Distribution process.
• Work with the finance review person to ensure proper dissemination of agency/service financial information.
• Bring forward the panel recommendations to the community impact committee
• Provide leadership for any follow up meetings and/or special conferences.
• Participate as a panel member.
  
  

  Specifications:

• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Understanding of community needs
• Ability to manage/facilitate group settings
• Ability to be objective and set aside personal biases.
• Supportive of United Way’s mission.

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REGULAR FUNDING REVIEW PANEL MEMBER

Role: To review agency requests and recommend an allocation. Identify areas, which require particular attention by United Way or the agency.

Responsibilities:

• Disclose any relationship(s) with United Way member agencies.
• Review agency applications.
• Attend panel meetings and agency presentations as scheduled. Come prepared to discuss any relevant information.
• Actively participate in the development of the recommended allocation for each service, including the development of your recommendation for each service and your rationale.
• Serve on a special subcommittee (if needed).
  Specifications:
• Willingness to review materials and attend meetings in order to understand the process and to develop an understanding of community needs.
• Ability to be objective and set aside personal biases.
• Supportive of United Way mission

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FINANCIAL REVIEW PANEL MEMBER

Role: To provide regular panel members with an accurate analysis of agency financial information and to work with agencies in addressing any discrepancies prior to panel presentations.

Responsibilities:

• Disclose any relationship(s) with United Way member agencies.
• Contact agency director/finance personnel prior to panel presentation to review financials and clarify and questions.
• Analyze the financial reports and annual budgets of assigned agencies. Complete checklist report after financial review is complete.
• Contact panel chair and United Way staff regarding any major discrepancies and/or concerns.
• Provide the panel with a completed Agency Finance Summary and verbal report on finances. Highlight significant changes including reporting changes.
• Complete a short report to be used by the Finance Review person in the following year regarding any practices or difficulties.
• If sharing financial information with other panels, coordinate closely with other finance review person to ensure timely and accurate information is prepared for the panel prior to the agency presentation.

Specifications:

• Experience in auditing financial records and providing recommendations.
• Ability to be objective and set aside personal biases.
• Supportive of United Way mission.
  

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