United Way of Cascade County announced Wednesday that it raised $1,231,010, exceeding the campaign’s goal.
“The Great Falls community is very generous in investing in our work,” United Way President Gary Owen said. “Donors want and deserve to know that their gifts are making a difference. We have demonstrated dramatic impact to individuals through the great programs we help fund as well as at the community level with our education, health and financial stability initiatives.”
With the money raised in last year’s campaign, United Way helped 31,418 people through its grants to 30 local nonprofit programs.
During its annual campaign, United Way volunteers reach out to area employers both to invite individuals to give and donate money on behalf of their companies. Knowing the need in the community, campaign volunteers spent this fall working to grow by 2.5 percent.
United Way Campaign Chair Amy Fladland noted that Cascade County has had the largest United Way fundraising campaign in the state – a sign of the generosity of local donors and the many volunteers who help.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the dozens of volunteers who made this year’s United Way’s campaign a success,” she said. “Your time and dedication have been invaluable. Your commitment to our community is truly appreciated. I am proud to be a part of United Way and the positive impact we are making together.”
This year, more than 1,300 people gave to United Way, most donating less than $100 by taking a few dollars out of each paycheck to help their neighbors.
Of the total, 60 percent was donated by 30 Pacesetters, employers who have committed their support to building the community through United Way of Cascade County.
The 29 pacesetters are: Alliance for Youth, BeeHive Homes, Benefis Health System, Bravera Bank, Calumet Montana Refining, Cascade County, City of Great Falls, City Motor Company, Columbia Grain, D.A. Davidson, Energy West, First Interstate Bank, General Mills, Great Falls Association of Realtors, Great Falls College - MSU, Great Falls Public Schools, Hoven Equipment, HUB International Great Falls, Independence Bank, JCCS, LPW Architecture, Marsh McLennan Agency, Montana Credit Union, NeighborWorks Great Falls, NorthWestern Energy, Opportunity Bank, Pacific Steel & Recycling, Pinion, Scheels and United Way of Cascade County.
D.A. Davidson Companies, Calumet, City Motors, General Mills and Great Falls Public Schools ran the largest United Way campaigns.
Beyond working with area employers, United Way also reaches out to every individual in Cascade County. This year, 262 people gave a total of $195,280, which is nearly 16 percent of the campaign total.
A team of United Way volunteers decides funding by looking both at the community’s needs and the programs’ effectiveness. United Way will open its grant application in February.
People still can send contributions directly to United Way at PO Box 1343, Great Falls, MT 59403 or donate online by clicking GIVE link above.