Campaign sets $1.3 million goal; kickoff Sept. 19

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The United Way Serving Howard and Tipton Counties returned to the community with renewed passion and vision last year, and the community embraced it. The 2023 fundraising campaign raised more than $1.2 million, enabling the nonprofit to offer two rounds of grant funding to local organizations.

The 2024 campaign will kick off Sept. 19 from 5-7 p.m. at Bel-Air Events, 3014 S. Webster St. The entire community is invited to attend the party, which will feature light food, a cash bar, and the presentation of $200,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations.

According to United Way executive director Dana Neer, the $1.3 million campaign target is “careful and conservative,” as the community has demonstrated considerable enthusiasm for United Way.

“The campaign goal the executive team came up with was $1.3 million, but we want to be careful,” said Neer.  “There are a lot of changes and a lot of growth taking place in our area. We don't know what it's going to look like. So, we decided not to go higher with our campaign goal. We want to make sure we can provide for everyone in need, but we need to be conservative.”

The kickoff will give a chance for the community to meet the 2024 campaign chairman, Jeff Young. A long-time United Way supporter and past executive board president, Young spent 40 years at Haynes International and 10 years on the United Way board. Neer is excited to have Young returning.

“He was delighted to be able help,” said Neer. “And after the campaign, if the executive team and board of directors agree, he will rejoin the board.”

Once the campaign starts, many people will see the return of “campaign associates” to the field. Formerly called “loaned associates,” United Way has taken a different approach to finding volunteer to spread the message and garner pledges from local businesses and residents. Instead of devoting 6-8 weeks working full-time on giving campaign pitches, the organization is only asking for one or two days a week from the volunteers.

This new approach keeps the volunteers fresh and reduces the burden on employers who allow their members to assist in this capacity.

“We have 14 campaign associates this year,” said Neer. “It’s wonderful to be able to restart this effort. This hybrid approach really is the best approach. People are excited because we no longer ask you to donate five days a week. It's not possible today.”

The change from United Way having designated partner agencies to a grant system is gamechanger for Howard and Tipton counties. No longer does a nonprofit have to be directly affiliated. Any nonprofit can apply for a grant. This year, two grant cycles were offered, which was an unprecedented move. Neer can’t get enough of it.

“We love it,” exclaimed Neer. “I think most United Ways do it this way now. It's fair. It allows emerging nonprofits to be able to get to the table. With a city our size, there are always emerging nonprofits.

“We love the deliberation and the thought process that goes through it with the grant committee. And then to have them at the campaign kickoff, just celebrating the grants together, it’s great.”

And United Way doesn’t stop with writing a check. There is support for those who receive a grant, but there is also mentorship for those who might have fallen short in their application, or perhaps didn’t apply at all but have needs.

“We like that role of mentor, and we’re not done with it,” said Neer.  “We reach out to the nonprofits, building relationships and helping them improve their chances of receiving United Way funding.”

Neer said that the United Way likely will continue the practice of holding two grant funding cycles each year, as it was very well received this year.

The United Way Campaign Kickoff takes place Thu., Sept. 19, from 5-7 p.m. at Bel-Air Events, 3014 S. Webster St. Attendees may RSVP by calling 765-457-4357. The event is free to attend.