How does Naperville UW determine its investment portfolio?

The Naperville United Way employs both board members and community volunteers in program evaluation for possible investment. The two methods, application evaluation and site review, are grounded in the measurement of positive client outcomes thus assuring the program meets the stated objectives for its clients.

Written Application Review

  1. Aligns with the community-level outcomes, as described in the Naperville UW Community Impact Plan
  2. Incorporates the five principles of high-quality programs (collaboration, client involvement, client empowerment, building on client strengths, and continuous quality improvement)
  3. Documents positive client outcomes including a well-designed program logic model with inputs defined, activities enumerated, outputs tracked, outcomes articulated, outcome indicators identified and actual outcome measurement
  4. Attracts a diversified source of revenues, identifies a balanced expenditure plan and demonstrates a reasonable use of the Naperville UW investment
  5. Impacts the Naperville community and its likelihood for successfully achieving client outcomes.

Site Review

The site review has three broad purposes including to:

  1. Clarify, confirm and supplement information provided in the written application to better understand (i) program operations and (ii) the program in the context of community needs, agency expertise and client experience
  2. Understand the methodology for making decisions based upon evaluative practices, demonstrate the effectiveness in tracking information and identify that program outcomes are measured and reported
  3. Assess the program?s ability to contribute to fulfilling the agency?s mission through a blend of sound management, strong governance, and a persistent dedication to achieving positive client outcomes

Final Investment Decision

All program reviewers, both board members and community volunteers, undergo training to assure consistent evaluation and each reviewer uses a common assessment tool to conduct their application evaluations and site reviews. The Naperville UW Community Impact Committee uses all assessment information to rank each program request under the appropriate community-level outcome, such that like programs are being compared with like programs. Programs are finally placed in quartiles and investment recommendations are developed for approval by the NUW Board of Directors.