MASON CITY, IA ñ Despite a slow economy still lingering in the region, United Way of North Central Iowa (UWNCI) announced they have raised $1.09 million as they close the 2010 campaign. On top of the $1 million dollar campaign, UWNCI was able to secure additional dollars to impact specific initiatives, bringing the total community impact to $1.13 million. The organization is moving towards more specific outcomes based investments around education, income and health.
“I can speak for everyone at United Way when saying we are truly blessed to live in a region that recognizes the impact United Way has on the community,” said Tim Putnam, Associate Director for the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and 2010 campaign chairman. “Many people are in need of United Way funded services and due to the generosity of close to 6,000 local donors, those needs will be met.”
Putnam mentioned that 91 major employers in the region ran a UWNCI campaign and that many of them increased their giving from last year. Across the state statistics show a dramatic increase in family savings. Often times those dollars were directed to non-profit agencies. UWNCI overcame that by engaging 350 new donors to invest $89,000 in the 2010 United Way campaign.
Officials at United Way attribute these new donations to the generosity in the region and the new campaign message that was given this year.
“Our campaign message this year was centered around United Way’s core values of education, income and health. We want to improve early literacy, enhance the financial stability of our community and increase access to preventative health services for those most in need,” Putnam explained. “Community leaders and our business community worked hard to identify specific needs in the region and the dollars raised will go towards alleviating these problems.”
The 2010 campaign total represents a minor decrease from the $1.136 million raised the previous year. Non-profit agencies nationwide are reporting an average of 8-10% decrease in fundraising for the 2010 calendar year; fueled by unemployment rates and a prolonged stagnant economy.
The UWNCI will begin their allocations meetings next week. Outcomes based programming from 32 regional agencies will be considered for funding. Volunteer led community impact teams will be making the funding decisions. Last year alone, over 25,000 north Iowans benefited from a United Way funded program.
“This will be a shot in the arm for local health and human service agencies applying for funding from the United Way,” said Putnam. “We are excited to see these dollars be invested towards our community goals.”
To get involved in your community visit UWNCI’s website at www.unitedwaynci.org |
