Editorial: Change for the better

Thursday, Sept. 23, 2004 | 9:08 a.m.

The United Way of Southern Nevada could have gone on for years dispensing funds, at unchanging levels, to the groups it always had without really thinking too much about it or receiving any criticism. The groups, including Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross, Boulder Dam Council of the Boy Scouts and the Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas, all make positive contributions to the community. The easy way would have been business as usual, with each group dutifully making its presentation each year and walking away with its usual funding.

But the United Way instead is pursuing a new policy based on its first-ever comprehensive study of Southern Nevada's most pressing needs. The study, which was funded by area businesses, was conducted last year in a joint venture with the Nevada Community Foundation. The study's research team reviewed dozens of existing reports, interviewed dozens of community leaders and experts, analyzed the trends in donations by corporations and private foundations and surveyed residents and service agencies.

What the study found was that minorities and women are underserved. They require help with personal finances and they also need better access to health care and educational opportunities. Based on this finding, the United Way will give a higher priority to organizations that can assist in meeting these needs. The usual organizations that benefit from United Way funding will not be cut off, but they may receive fewer dollars than in the past if their programs are not suited to meet United Way's new emphasis. Or, they may opt to alter their programs to meet the new funding requirements, as the United Way is not trying to increase the number of nonprofit groups.

We support the United Way in this new initiative. Communities are forever changing and their nonprofit groups need to change with them.