United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta Welcomes New VP of Information Resources Hello, my name is Marie Johnson, Vice President of Information Resources. I am pleased to have joined the leadership at United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. It is an amazing organization whose mission is very near and dear to my heart. My role is to set the strategy and direction for Information Technology, United Way 2-1-1 and the DHR call centers. The United Way 2-1-1 call center is a vital resource in our community and one of my goals is to assist in a statewide implementation of 2-1-1. With October 2007 having yielded the highest recorded call volume since Katrina and the highest call volume ever for a non-disaster related month, it highlights more than ever the significance of this resource. Please feel welcomed to drop me a line should you have any feedback, suggestions or comments. I can be reached at mjohnson@unitedwayatlanta.org Search the United Way 2-1-1 database on line

United Way calls for grant applications United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta 2008-09 Community Impact Fund grant process began on November 12, 2007. The Community Impact Fund awards one-year grants to local organizations with programs aligned with United Way community priorities. Trained volunteers will review the applications, conduct site visits and award grants. Application process for new programs (any program not currently receiving a United Way Community Impact Fund grant): Grant applications will be accepted and screened from new programs (programs not currently receiving a Community Impact Fund grant) again this year based on their alignment with local United Way priorities. New program applications will only be accepted in certain strategies and counties. Grant eligibility requirements including the application process are available on the United Way website. Program applications are due on Friday, December 21, at 4 p.m. Applicants will be notified via email no later than Wednesday, January 16, 2008, as to whether they have been approved to move forward and receive a site visit to meet with United Way volunteers. Application process for returning programs (programs currently receiving a United Way Community Impact Fund grant): On Monday, November 12, 2007 returning programs can access the grant application and details regarding the 2008 Community Impact Fund process on the United Way website. The application deadline for returning programs is Friday, December 21, 2007 at 4 p.m. Specific training will be conducted for the Community Impact Fund applications. If you attended an affinity group session during November, information regarding the Impact Fund Process was not be covered. The affinity group conversations are geared toward information sharing for organizations providing similar services. Training Training will be available to assist all applicants with understanding the application process. It is recommended that all applying agencies attend training, as there have been changes to the application from last year. Training is mandatory for all new applicant agencies, and failure to attend all of the required trainings will result in nullification of your program application. In preparation for the Community Impact Fund grant application a series of trainings will be offered between November 20 and December 12. The following trainings are mandatory for new program applicants and recommended for currently funded program applicants.. * Impact Fund 101/ODM Training (webinar) * Impact Fund Outcomes and Measurements 101, 102, & 103 * Impact Area Training (strategy area specific) You may register for the various trainings online by clicking on this link Registration Last year, United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta invested $31.6 million in nearly 400 programs across our 13-county service region through the Community Impact Fund. The Community Impact Fund is composed of contributions from donors who designate their gift to solving critical community issues. If you have questions regarding the process, please send an email to grantees@unitedwayatlanta.org. Please include in the email contact information for your agency. Apply for a United Way Grant

Marines recruit United Way 2-1-1 to help with Toys for Tots Since 1947, the Toys for Tots Foundation has partnered with the United States Marine Corps Reserve and various local organizations to deliver toys to America's children. This year, they have enlisted the help of United Way 2-1-1 to help collect and distribute 500,000 toys to boys and girls across metro Atlanta. Families not associated with an organization requesting toys can dial 2-1-1 for assistance this holiday season. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at any Publix Super Market or participating The UPS Store locations. Toys can also be dropped off in the lobby of the United Way downtown office, at 100 Edgewood Ave., N.E., or at any of the county offices. Toys for girls and for all children between the ages of 8 and 12 are particularly appreciated. For more information on the 2007 Atlanta Toys for Tots campaign, visit Atlanta Toys for Tots website by clicking on the link below. Toys for Tots

IBM On Demand Community—Assisting Nonprofits Like Yours Now that the holiday season is upon us, I believe there is no more appropriate time to pause and give thanks for the many gifts we have received. Personally, I am very thankful to be a member of the Atlanta community and for the many strong relationships I have developed with my colleagues in the nonprofit sector over the past year. Every day I am inspired by your passion and your commitment to make Atlanta a better place to live for all of its community members. IBM supports you in your passion and commitment. Four years ago, IBM launched On Demand Community, a new approach to corporate volunteerism that has just celebrated a remarkable milestone: its 100,000th registrant. Whether serving on a board, mentoring students, supporting medical research, or helping seniors use the Web, IBM volunteers — both active IBMers and retirees — have devoted 6 million hours to some of the world's most pressing humanitarian issues, such as healthcare, literacy and the welfare of children. And that's why, in a very short period of time, On Demand Community has become the world's most successful corporate community service effort. I am very proud to be an On Demand Community member and to serve the Atlanta community through involvement with Leadership Atlanta, Atlanta Nonprofit Professionals, Woodruff Arts Center, CHRIS Kids and YouthPride. As always, I would enjoy the opportunity to learn more about your organization and discuss the ways IBM can help you achieve your organizational goals in 2008. Feel free to call me at 404.291.3997 or email me at ptowne@us.ibm.com to arrange a time to meet. To a bright 2008, Paul Towne IBM Client Representative for Non-Profit Organizations

Missed a previous 2-1-1 eNewsletter? The United Way 2-1-1 eNewsletters have been going out since October 2006 to most of the agencies in the United Way 2-1-1 database for which an email address is available. If you have missed or would like to see previous United Way 2-1-1 eNewsletters, they are now available on the United Way website. Click on the link below to view them all. If you would like to start receiving the United Way 2-1-1 eNewsletter, send an email to Marioly Botero at mbotero@unitedwayatlanta.org Read Previous United Way 2-1-1 eNewsletters