Both organizations are important resources to Marion County. Some have described the differences by suggesting the United Way is more like the community’s checkbook, raising and distributing money annually, while the Foundation is more like a charitable savings account, distributing grants from a long-term fund in perpetuity. The United Way focuses on education, financial stability and health, while the Foundation’s scope of funding is much broader and includes working in areas such as economic development, education, the environment, community betterment, the arts and culture, animal needs as well as health and human services. Community foundations also focus on attracting and managing permanent endowments for nonprofits. Locally, the Community Foundation views the United Way as a tremendous partner in strengthening Ocala/Marion County.