United Way of Mesa County

**Belief Statement:** We believe the caring power of community can provide everyone the opportunity to reach their full potential. **Founded in 1959 in Grand Junction, Colorado, United Way of Mesa County (UWMC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that raises money from the community to fund local programs that address community concerns.* **Local Impact** - Sixty-three years serving Mesa County. Programs funded by UWMC currently serve about 50,000 people in Mesa County. - UWMC funds programs provided by health and human service agencies in Mesa County. This year, we are funding 43 programs at 33 different local nonprofit agencies. The programs address a variety of social problems focused on: - **Health** – People are connected to regular, quality health services - **Education** – All children enter school ready to learn and more students will be reading at grade level by 4th grade - **Self-Reliance** – Basic needs are met in times of crisis so that people can remain independent **More than a Fundraising Organization** **Did you know UWMC hosts the Mesa County Imagination Library?** The Mesa County Imagination Library is a free book program that provides children under the age of five, living in Mesa County, the opportunity to register to receive a brand new, age specific book every single month until their 5th Birthday. The books are mailed straight to the child at no cost to the family. **UWMC administers grants, runs a centralized volunteer hub, and much more. Learn more about our widespread IMPACT** [**here**](https://www.unitedwaymesacounty.org/our-impact) **Community Governed** - United Way of Mesa County facilitates community collaboration to insure the community’s needs are being addressed and provides education, information and referral to the community at large. - The Community Investment Process or “Deciding Where the Money Goes” – We feel the people who donate the money should be a part of giving it away. Between 60-80 volunteers, people like you, serve on our community investment panels each grant cycle. These panels review the grant applications from the agencies and make on-site visits to help determine which programs are most effective and efficient at delivering services our community needs. - UWMC is governed by a local Board of Directors. **All funding and policy decisions are made locally.** United Way Worldwide provides training, marketing support and help with national accounts.