United Way of Cascade County launched its annual fundraising campaign Thursday with a goal of raising $1.25 million to focus on our community’s greatest needs and challenges.
Based on funds raised in last year’s campaign, United Way will support 27 local nonprofit programs and help an estimated 32,683 people through grants during the coming year. United Way’s broader community impact work touches people throughout Cascade County.
“Because of generous community support, United Way brings together community resources to tackle some of our community’s biggest challenges,” United Way Chief Executive Officer Lacey Hallett said. “That includes issues like homelessness, academic achievement, child abuse and financial instability.”
The need for services continues to grow. Many organizations seeking United Way grants this year reported increased demand for food, rental assistance and other basic services, while also facing higher operating costs.
United Way Campaign Chair Keith Benjamin said the annual campaign provides an opportunity for businesses and individuals to make a broad impact through a single organization while supporting efforts to address the underlying causes of community challenges.
“The annual campaign is the tip of our spear — it's where we generate the resources that enable us to execute on our mission,” Benjamin said. “It provides opportunities for people to contribute as much or as little as they can, and all can feel like part of a larger, indispensable, collective force for good in our community.”
Benjamin said he views his role as campaign chair as both an honor and a responsibility, particularly as community needs continue to evolve.
“Rising costs, economic uncertainties, and new challenges confront us every day,” he said. “We're offering an opportunity to create something to feel good about. Feeling good is infectious, and we hope it spreads.”
Benjamin said the campaign will build on the organization’s long history while expanding its network of donors and seeking new, sustainable resources.
“Each year our impact grows as we expand our network and prove the worthiness of our work in Cascade County,” he said. “Our partners need us, and the need keeps growing. The campaign fuels our growth capacity and expands our impact.”
United Way Board Chair Cooper Thomas said the organization’s nonprofit partners are seeing firsthand the challenges facing local families.
“Serving for many years in board, campaign, and pacesetter roles, I've seen firsthand how many families in Cascade County are just one unexpected bill away from crisis,” Thomas said. “Our community has always shown up for their neighbors, and this campaign is our chance to do that again.”
Local employers continue to play a major role in the campaign. United Way pacesetter businesses accounted for 60 percent of the campaign total last year. Click here to see a list of our Pacesetters.
In addition to the workplace campaign, people may give by sending contributions directly to United Way at PO Box 1343, Great Falls, MT 59403, or donating online.