Tuesday, April 8, 2008

United Way of Summit County Announces Funding Amounts For 2008

The United Way of Summit County Board of Trustees has approved the following community investment package totaling $9,695,761 for the 2008 fiscal year.

Community and Program Services Funding - $9,695,761

Net Fundraising and Administrative Costs - $1,196,239

Net Allowance for Pledges Not Paid - $450,000

Because of a number of factors, including reduction in staff and improved investment income, United Way of Summit County has budgeted a decrease in net fundraising and administrative (overhead) costs. The organization also has reduced the amount it sets aside in expectation of pledges not paid.

Decisions about how much funding goes to each of the 101 programs at 49 affiliated agencies funded by United Way were made by more than 100 local volunteers who have been meeting and reviewing detailed program and financial information for several weeks. These volunteers made site visits, reviewed program outcomes and deliberated over allocations based on the amount of money available in particular areas of need. Total affiliated agency support increased nearly 1% this year.

The $9.69 million package is a combination of:
· Investment decisions made by these volunteers and gifts specifically designated by donors
· United Way’s fundraising partner American Red Cross, Summit County Chapter contractual amount
· Community Services, including The Volunteer Center, United Way’s Community Impact Program, Labor/Community Services Liaison
· Designations to other community agencies and United Ways in other communities:
· Designations to targeted areas of service (Impact Areas).
· Approximately $240,000 for Community Impact Priority Funding for programs addressing school readiness for children and/or economic stability for families

At the organization’s 90th Anniversary Annual Meeting held April 2, Campaign Chair Thomas J. Strauss of Summa Health System announced that the community has pledged $11,372,000 to the 2007 United Way/Red Cross Campaign.

“We are grateful and inspired by another generous response from our community to the 2007 annual campaign. To raise nearly $11.4 million in spite of tough economic times is a tribute to the compassion and generosity of thousands of men, women and children who donate time or money to make Summit County a better place for all. Our staff and volunteers will continue to work hard to honor their stewardship and help organizations in our community do more of what they do, and do it better,” said Bob Kulinski, President, United Way of Summit County.

In keeping with the organization’s new Community Impact Priorities agenda announced last fall, 5% of undesignated and unrestricted United Way revenue has been set aside for distribution through an open Request for Proposal process. Proposals have been accepted from qualified health and human service 501 (c) 3 agency serving Summit residents, including current United Way Affiliated Agencies. The proposals are being reviewed and recommendations made to United Way’s Board of Directors by a separate United Way Priority Funding committee.

Thom Mandel, Chair of the Board of Directors for United Way of Summit County and President of Rubber City Radio Group, said, “As we mark our 90th Anniversary and celebrate the fact that since 1918, this organization has raised more than $400 million in and for this community, we continue to improve the ways we do business. We will continue making a difference in the lives of individuals and families to honor the trust and stewardship our donors and volunteers expect from us.”

United Way of Summit County improves lives by mobilizing community assets for health and human services. For more information, call 330-762-7601, visit our website at www.uwsummit.org, or write to us at United Way of Summit County, 90 N. Prospect St., P.O. Box 1260, Akron, Ohio 44309-1260. For more information about specific designations to particular agencies, visit our website.

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