United Way Community Campaign Exceeds $3.8m Goal

United Way Community Campaign Exceeds $3.8m Goal
Investments Impact all of Chittenden County
United Way of Chittenden County announced today it expects to meet and exceed its goal of $3.8 million for its 2004 Community Campaign. By the end of March, it anticipates having reached 102% of goal.
"These are challenging times for everyone," stated volunteer Community Campaign Chair Kevin Dwyer, who is Senior Vice President of Hackett Valine & MacDonald. "Amidst those challenges, our community came together to create relief for those that struggle the most. It wouldn't be possible without the enthusiastic support of more than 500 campaign volunteers."
Campaign dollars will be invested in programs which will make the most impact on our community's most critical needs, and will serve more than 100,000 people throughout Chittenden County. Thanks to the success of the campaign, United Way can continue to invest in programs that are changing lives and shaping communities.
Where the Money Comes From
Every dollar counts! United Way of Chittenden County raises more than 70 percent of its annual community campaign from average employees during workplace campaigns. Approximately 475 local companies participate by organizing workplace campaigns, making corporate gifts, or both. The remaining funds come from individuals and corporate gifts.
"We're always excited to share the news about the numbers," said Gretchen Morse, Executive Director. "But it is far more important to share the news about people's lives that are being changed - all year long - thanks to the generosity of more than 15,000 donors."
Morse highlighted several workplace campaigns which raised over $100,000 - IBM's Employee Charitable Contribution Campaign (ECCC), General Dynamics, IDX, Dwight Asset Management, UVM and Fletcher Allen - as wonderful examples of making a positive impact both inside the workplace community, as well as outside in the broader community.
Where the Money Goes
The community-review process of distributing the 2004 Community Campaign funds is now underway, with more than 60 seasoned community members who volunteer their time to study funding requests. Focusing on four basic criteria - community needs, management and accountability, outcomes and financial need - the allocations teams visit agencies, review program outcomes and will then meet in mid-March to prepare funding recommendations for Board approval.
"United Way does so much more than just raise money," added Dwyer. "United Way takes a broad perspective of community need, evaluates where that money will have the greatest impact, and invests it wisely. United Way-funded programs are keeping kids in school, making our streets safer, helping us respond to crisis, and making it possible for local non-profit agencies to meet the growing and diverse needs of young and old alike."
Thanks to numerous dedicated volunteers who donate their time throughout the year, United Way of Chittenden County is able to keep costs low and invest more in helping people. On average, administrative and fundraising costs are no more than 15%, which is far below the 35% threshold described in the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance Standards for Charity Accountability. (http://www.give.org/standards/newcbbbstds.asp)
Contributions also support the United Way Volunteer Center, which coordinates volunteer-matching programs for individuals, groups, youths and businesses, as well as provides volunteer support and training for non-profits, schools and government agencies. Last year, 318 such groups were served by the United Way Volunteer Center. As a result, 1,950 volunteers contributed 125,063 hours of volunteer time for a value of $1,856,222 to the community. Yet, there is more than can be done. Approximately 1,666 volunteer requests remained unmet last year.
Dwyer, reflecting on his year as campaign chair, thanked the hundreds of workplace volunteers who coordinated events and rallied to spread United Way's message. He emphasized that "The mobilization of individuals throughout our community is what has made this campaign a success."
United Way of Chittenden County is an independent, non-profit organization governed by a local, all-volunteer Board of Directors. United Way collaborates with other non-profits, local government, schools, courts, businesses and others to make the most impact on the issues that most matter in our community. To learn more, call 864-7541, or visit www.unitedwaycc.org. United Way's Volunteer Center serves more than 400 local non-profit organizations, matching their needs with volunteer skills and time. To volunteer, call 860-1677, or visit www.unitedwaycc.org/volunteer. Vermont 2-1-1, a program of the United Ways of Vermont, is an information and referral helpline serving all Vermonters. Need help finding help? Dialing 2-1-1 is your first step. Or visit www.vermont211.org.
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