In 2020, Metro United Way began a three-year transition to a new impact and investment model aimed at creating transformational change throughout the communities we serve because we recognized the urgent need to address persistent inequities that stifle sustainable progress communitywide. That same year, we launched an Impact and Innovation Fund which targeted innovative strategies aimed at closing the Education Gap and Wealth Gap that persist throughout our region. We recognize, however, that transformational change in these areas cannot occur if individuals’ and families’ basic needs are not met. This Request for Proposals seeks to create strategic partnerships to address the community’s more urgent needs around food, shelter, clothing, health and other necessities for daily living.
In this particular Request for Proposals, we seek to identify existing community programs and services run by non-profit partners – both with pre-existing relationships with MUW and without – proven to be effective at addressing basic needs. Leaning on continued data collection and insights from 211, United Community and other community data sources, we have learned that some of the greatest needs in Jefferson County currently are housing, utility assistance, food/meals, clothing/personal/household needs, healthcare, transportation, income support/assistance, legal and public safety services, and mental health/addiction services.