Donate to United Way for the greater good
Published on Thu, Feb 12, 2009Read More Communities
United Way of Snohomish County is asking for a dramatic-and generous-response from the community in order to help local nonprofit programs. United Way currently invests $3.2 million annually in 91 programs run by 39 local health and human service agencies throughout Snohomish County. Those agencies are facing a 12 percent reduction in their grants beginning in March.
"Unfortunately, United Way is not immune to the economic challenges that are impacting us all," said Debbie McLeod, chair of United Way's Board of Directors. "Although there have been many generous donors, overall, giving to the campaign is down as businesses and individuals are affected."
United Way volunteers and staff are still working hard to increase donations to the annual fund drive, stressed United Way Campaign Chair Buzz Rodland. "We're not done yet. Campaigns are running up until June. We hope people who still have jobs and are doing okay will dig a little deeper to help others who are really struggling."
In an effort to reduce the impact on nonprofit partners, United Way has already eliminated one staff position and is further reducing its own budget by $296,000.
"That's a pretty big hit for our own agency, but it's still not enough to offset the shortfall," said Carl Zapora, United Way president and CEO. "It's hard to have to adjust grants at a time when we are seeing an increase in the need."
United Way grants are funded only through undesignated gifts-contributions made to the Local Community Fund. About one-third of United Way's total campaign each year is designated by donors to charities of all kinds, many of them out of the county or state.
"That's absolutely the donor's choice and we honor those gifts, but it does affect our ability to fund programs that are addressing our most urgent local needs," Zapora explained.
The United Way has made it easy for individuals to contribute to their local communities. Visit the agency's Web site at uwsc.org or call 425.374.5524. Checks can also be sent to United Way of Snohomish County, 3120 McDougall Ave., Everett, WA 98201.
"Unfortunately, United Way is not immune to the economic challenges that are impacting us all," said Debbie McLeod, chair of United Way's Board of Directors. "Although there have been many generous donors, overall, giving to the campaign is down as businesses and individuals are affected."
United Way volunteers and staff are still working hard to increase donations to the annual fund drive, stressed United Way Campaign Chair Buzz Rodland. "We're not done yet. Campaigns are running up until June. We hope people who still have jobs and are doing okay will dig a little deeper to help others who are really struggling."
In an effort to reduce the impact on nonprofit partners, United Way has already eliminated one staff position and is further reducing its own budget by $296,000.
"That's a pretty big hit for our own agency, but it's still not enough to offset the shortfall," said Carl Zapora, United Way president and CEO. "It's hard to have to adjust grants at a time when we are seeing an increase in the need."
United Way grants are funded only through undesignated gifts-contributions made to the Local Community Fund. About one-third of United Way's total campaign each year is designated by donors to charities of all kinds, many of them out of the county or state.
"That's absolutely the donor's choice and we honor those gifts, but it does affect our ability to fund programs that are addressing our most urgent local needs," Zapora explained.
The United Way has made it easy for individuals to contribute to their local communities. Visit the agency's Web site at uwsc.org or call 425.374.5524. Checks can also be sent to United Way of Snohomish County, 3120 McDougall Ave., Everett, WA 98201.
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