The Family Futures Opportunity Fund Note: The Family Futures Opportunity Fund is under development and is not yet in operation. United Way will NOT be administering the Fund. We will work with designated partner agencies to do that. Stay tuned for further announcements. The Family Futures Opportunity Fund is a new Community Impact Program of United Way of Tampa Bay that helps families overcome root cause barriers that stand in the way of them realizing sustainable employment, receiving quality childcare and achieving overall economic stability. The Family Futures Opportunity Fund is not meant to address emergency funding needs (as there are other programs in existence to do that, some of which are United Way administered), but designed to offer families direct financial assistance through designated Partner Agencies, in the form of grants or scholarships, to further their own work on building a stronger future for themselves.   Currently, here are some of the ways we envision the Fund helping:   Child care for single parents wanting to get their GED or attend training in order to get a better paying job, earning a livable wage. Transportation to allow families to get to work. Financial support and assistance for individuals in training to become more employable (i.e. tuition assistance, uniforms, tools, etc.). Mentoring and tutoring for youth while parents are studying for GED. Financial literacy education and assistance for families interested in buying a home, purchasing a car, continuing their education. Life skills counseling for individuals looking to improve their quality of life. Availability of quality and accessible out of school time care. Mentoring and job readiness support for those  entering the workforce or embarking on a new career. Guidance, mentorship, career counseling for individuals 16-21 who have discontinued their high school education. Education to increase adult literacy in reading, writing, and math. The Family Futures Opportunity Fund will build bridges of opportunity for qualified families – establishing a basis for resiliency rather than relying on welfare as their long-term survival strategy.   Community Partners United Way of Tampa Bay’s Community Partners, many of whom are already working with us on the Family Well Being Agenda, will be instrumental in the application, service delivery and impact evaluation of the Family Futures Opportunity Fund, according to agreed upon qualification and allocation criteria.   Funding Partners A small, exclusive group of Founding Funders will be instrumental to the inaugural launch of the Family Futures Opportunity Fund, providing significant start up dollars and ongoing financial support based on results. Targeting an initial funding level at or above $500,000 by June 30, 2007, these Founding Funders will be recognized in all Family Futures marketing and campaign materials, including ourWeb site(s); as well as, presented with co-branding and recognition initiatives that promote their commitment to building family  independence and stronger communities.   Expanding the Vision As a unique, dedicated funding program, UnitedWay of Tampa Bay sees the Family Futures Opportunity Fund as a compelling cause to reach out and engage new donor audiences outside our traditional Workplace Campaign.   Targeted giving strategies to attract participation from a broader community base include online donation and auction site, special events, speaker series sponsorships, grant acquisition, Emerging Leaders Task Force and family-friendly volunteerism.

United Way's Community Impact Agenda Emergency Financial Assistance Programs   Summer Care Initiative Karis Turner  Director of Leadership Initiatives kturner@uwtb.org (813) 274-0901