OVERVIEW OF POSITION:
Community Investment Review Team members support United Way's process of investing community resources in nonprofit agencies that produce effective results and benefit the community. Volunteers will review agency proposals and reports, conduct site visits (if needed) and recommend the grants/programs that will achieve the greatest impact in addressing the four pillars of United Way’s work: Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security, and Community Resilience.
SPECIFIC DUTIES:
1. Attend virtual orientation and team meetings
2. Independently read and score program proposals prior to meetings, using an online system
3. Work as a team with other volunteers to develop funding recommendations
4. Provide feedback to UWCM on the review process
5. Attend site visits, review mid-year and final reports as time permits
QUALIFICATIONS:
Skills:
• Ability to make objective, informed decisions based on research, observations and review of written materials.
• Ability to work cooperatively within a team to arrive at consensus
Education:
• A combination of education and experience that allows for analytical thinking.
Experience:
• General knowledge of the greater Worcester/Central Massachusetts area, its nonprofit resources and community needs.
• Particular knowledge in the areas of poverty, equity, nonprofit finance, educational/youth development philosophy and current best practices, workforce development, income supports, and/or health/mental health strategies would also be desired.
TIME COMMITMENT:
Attend an orientation in late August/early September and participate in weekly meetings, approximately two hours in length for the months of September and October as needed to complete the review process. Meetings are typically held in the late afternoon (4-6 pm) on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you have a certain day preference, please let us know! Independent reading and scoring is estimated to take approximately 45 minutes to one hour per proposal. Roughly 10 proposals will be discussed at each meeting.
TRAINING REQUIRED/SUPPORT PROVIDED:
UWCM staff will orient volunteers to the work of the Community Investment Review Team as well as the strategic goals of the UWCM. Volunteers will also be trained to use the online grant scoring tool. Ongoing support will be provided.
