United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties is in search of volunteers to participate on its Community Investment Team. The Community Investment Team, or CIT, makes important recommendations to UWLS leadership about its partnering agencies and the funding they receive from UWLS.

UWLS currently has 27 partner agencies that have a mission that aligns with one of UWLS’ three focus areas of economic mobility, health or education. UWLS invests in each partner agency with a grant each year for two years. This October, the two-year cycle starts over, and the CIT is needed to review partner agencies and make funding recommendations.

In 2023, UWLS invested $144,556 in its partner agencies and impacted around 55,000 individuals in Lake and Sumter Counties as a result. Those interested in volunteering for the CIT should visit uwls.org/volunteer and fill out the volunteer form.

To read more about UWLS’ partner agencies, visit uwls.org/grants. All questions about the CIT should be directed to Thawanna Hurge at 352-787-7530 ext. 240 or thurge@uwls.org.

United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties serves needs in the areas of economic mobility, education and health in both counties and facilitates and delivers a number of direct services and programs. Additionally, UWLS provides grants or support that fund programs in over 20 partner agencies or nonprofits. The United Way organization fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. United Way is the world’s largest privately funded nonprofit, engaged in 1,000 communities across more than 37 countries and territories.

For more information about United Way, please visit unitedway.org.