Join the Visiting Allocation Team
Help Guide the Funding that Changes Lives
Every year, community members such as you step up to serve on our Visiting Allocation Team (VAT), helping United Way of Central Alabama make thoughtful and informed strategic funding decisions — shaping programs that touch thousands of lives.
Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or just getting started, VAT is a meaningful way to get involved, understand local needs and help shape real solutions.
What VAT Volunteers Do
As a VAT member, you’ll commit just 10 to 12 hours over the course of several weeks. Working in a small group, you’ll review funding proposals from a variety of area nonprofits and help decide where United Way dollars can do the most good.
As a VAT volunteer, you will:
- Attend a Meet & Greet
June 13th — Learn about the process and meet your team. - Join a Small Group of Volunteers
Work with fellow community members to evaluate a collection of nonprofit programs. - Participate in Three Meetings
These will take place between late September and early November. - Guide Funding Decisions
Use what you learn to help direct local investment. - Visit Local Nonprofits
See firsthand how programs create impact in your community.
Why Join a VAT?
It’s a meaningful, short-term opportunity that makes a long-term impact. As a VAT volunteer, you will:
- Make a tangible difference in your community.
- Build leadership experience and civic connections.
- Learn how funding decisions are made.
- Gain deeper insight into regional needs and solutions.
Who Can Volunteer?
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds who are:
- Aged 18 or older.
- Not employed by a United Way partner agency.
- Passionate about improving their community.
We’re especially seeking new volunteers from Blount, Chilton, St. Clair, Shelby and Walker counties to help evaluate agencies in those areas.
What Training Will I Receive?
Your Allocation Team will be led by an experienced volunteer who will guide you and your fellow members through the process. In addition, United Way staff will provide training and general assistance.
Ready to Learn More?
Be the first to know when registration opens
and get your personal invite to our June 13th Meet & Greet.
Questions?
For questions or more information about the allocations process or VAT,
please contact UWCA Vice President of Agency Relations Shakeitha Tatum at [email protected].
What Past VAT Volunteers Are Saying
It is extremely rewarding to know I am helping United Way’s mission while I also get to see where my donations are making a difference.”
– Linda Newman
Sr. Retail Operations Manager
Regions Bank
At the time, I was in an individual contributor role and knew I wanted to return to a leadership position. Volunteering as a VAT chair gave me that experience and helped me secure the leadership role I was seeking shortly after.”
– Jasmine Wright
Senior Director, New Business Operations
Protective Life
Seeing the positive community impact firsthand inspired me to increase my own contribution. The benefits of volunteering far outweigh the small time commitment.”
– Ayla T. Russell
Organizational Change Manager
Personnel Board of Jefferson County
Meeting staff, board members and clients amazes me at their commitment to serving as many people as possible.
As a donor, serving on a VAT ensures me that United Way of Central Alabama is a good steward of my contributions. I enjoy being in the community with the team, and serving on a VAT is well worth the time commitment.”
– Shirley Fagan
Director of Communications
O’Neal Industries
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