Needs From: Head of the Lakes United Way

Description: Head of the Lakes United Way’s (HLUW) Community Investment Process requires volunteer panelists to review and evaluate partner agency requests for United Way funding in the following impact areas: Health, Education and Financial Stability. Volunteer Panelists review applications and hear program presentations. Each panel is intended to be comprised of a broad representation of the community. The Volunteer Panelist will review applications for funding and hear presentations from non-profit agencies. The volunteer panel member will work with other members of the panel to come to a conclusion about how to rank each grant application. 

Responsibilities:

• Keep HLUW’s goal of providing financial support to health and human service programs that effectively address our community’s most pressing needs in mind during the entire process of application review

• Attend all panel meetings and agency presentations, read the applications for funding, declare any conflicts of interest, and complete an objective rating form

• Participate in group discussions and bring forth unbiased concerns or opinions about the programs requesting funding

• Keep all panel deliberations confidential Qualifications: Resident of HLUW’S service areaS (Ashland-Bayfield, Greater Duluth, Northshore - Lake & Cook Counties and Superior-Douglas County area); basic knowledge of the service area communities; the desire to work towards positive change and improved outcomes for all people in our communities.

Time Commitment:

20-25 hours during the months of January and February 2025.

Location:

1 hour orientation meeting will take place in-person if possible and all other meetings will take place online via Zoom.

Benefits:

• See firsthand how nonprofit agencies in HLUW service areas improve people’s lives with the help of United Way funding

• Come away with a stronger connection to the communities in the HLUW service area

• Make networking connections with many people, including other panelists, United Way staff, applicant directors and staff

• Stipends are available if needed to enable participation; no explanation is needed

About Head of the Lakes United Way:

HLUW proudly serves Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin communities including Ashland and Bayfield counties, Greater Duluth, Lake and Cook counters and Superior-Douglas county.  We provide funding for over 40 local non-profits within the focus areas of Health, Education and Financial Stability.

People we are looking for:

Have an understanding of our community and
its needs May have previous board experience OR are
wanting to learn how to become a strong
board member Hold community connections or professional
expertise Are willing to commit time for board meetings,
committee meetings, planning sessions, and special
events Are a team player and are direct and unbiased Reside in one of our geographical regions May be recognized leaders (business, political,
community, etc

Board Commitment:

Regular attendance and strong
contributions to board and subcommittees Fund development Attendance of organization-wide events. Time commitment averages 2-3 hours per month.

If you’re passionate about striving to improve the health, education and financial stability of EVERY person in EVERY community we serve, we encourage you to apply.

You can find out more and apply here: www.hlunitedway.org/board

Purpose: Head of the Lakes United Way (HLUW) Community Impact Committee members provide volunteer service for community projects throughout the year, oversee HLUW’s Community Investment Process (grantmaking), maintain relationships with community partners and support HLUW’s internal initiatives. As a member, you are an ambassador and advocate of United Way.

Responsibilities:

1. Serve as a volunteer for community projects identified by the committee.

2. Help plan and execute the following HLUW initiatives and events:

Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive National Volunteer Week Day of Caring

3. Oversee HLUW’s Community Investment Process

Review and recommend Community Investment Process materials including grant application, timelines and decision-making procedures. Help spread the word about funding opportunities. Assist in recruitment of community panelists to review and rate grant applications.

4. Be a community advocate and ambassador for Head of the Lakes United Way

Qualifications:

Must reside or work in one of HLUW’s service areas. Commitment to HLUW’s mission of striving to improve the health, education and financial stability of EVERY person in EVERY community we serve. Ability to work effectively within a team and engage with diverse stakeholders. Analytical and critical thinking skills for evaluating impact and making informed decisions. Passion for community service and the drive to create positive change. Knowledge of local community needs and resources a plus.

Commitment: Participate in at least 4 team volunteer projects throughout the year and Zoom meetings as outlined.