Community Update

The problems we face
in Greater Atlanta cannot be solved by traditional solutions alone. These
issues require that we think outside the box and dare to develop and implement new
answers for challenges in education, income, health and homelessness.  Today,
United Way of Greater Atlanta announces the $3 million Dare to Forget the Box!
prizes that will support organizations in their efforts to solve these problems
with fresh ideas.

The goal of United Way’s Dare to Forget the Box! prizes is to help organizations
and partners address the systemic issues in their communities. All submissions
for the prize require three to five organizations to collaborate in solving an
issue.

According to Milton J. Little, Jr., president and CEO of United Way of
Greater Atlanta, helping foster sustainable change in communities requires a collaborative
approach. Little said, “Our expectation is that the $3
million will generate creative approaches to developing and
implementing sustainable efforts to drive community change. In
addition, we hope the prizes will encourage further dialogue and collaboration
as we continue working with our partner agencies to improve lives across our
13-county region.

“Repeatedly, studies have
shown that where you live can impact your quality of life. We are committed to
bridging the disparities gap in economic stability, access to health care and
education outcomes that exist between the various zip codes, because your zip code may determine where you live
and how you live, but it shouldn’t determine how long you live,” said Little.

The Dare to Forget the Box! prizes are available at three different
levels: one at $500,000; one at $300,000 and two at $100,000 each over the next
three years.

United Way will fund integrated and boldly innovative programs that bring
community organizations, businesses and the public/private sectors together to
create community-level changes that address issues caused and exacerbated by
poverty. These are the very issues that unnecessarily limit the
educational attainment, income potential and the life expectancy of many people
in Greater Atlanta.

To express your interest in submitting a proposal and to learn more about
the Dare to Forget the Box! prizes, visit www.unitedwayatlanta.org/ftb. The deadline to
indicate interest is Oct. 9, 2013. Completed proposals are due Nov. 15.

About
United Way of Greater Atlanta

Our
United Way is the second-largest in the nation with more than $80 million in
fundraising annually. We invest in more than 200 programs in 13 counties
through the Community Impact Fund and work with them to help children succeed
in school, improve financial stability of families, provide affordable and
accessible health care and end homelessness. For more information, visit unitedwayatlanta.org.