United Way of Cascade County and United Way of Hill County have agreed to join forces to expand their reach and ability to serve even more individuals and families.
“We are very excited of the potential the merger gives our community,” United Way of Hill County Board Chair Megan Obrecht said. “Joining together allows us access to many new resources and the ability to really focus on the needs of our community.
“We really believe that together we can make a bigger impact in both our communities.”
The merger was official Feb. 1, and will allow both United Ways to:
- Maximize resources: By combining efforts, the organizations can increase funding and operational efficiency, ensuring more support is directed to local programs and initiatives.
- Expand community impact: The unified organization will now have a larger footprint, enabling more outreach and service across both counties, with an expanded network of partners and volunteers.
- Local control: Local programs and initiatives remain the priority of both United Ways. Local board members and volunteers determine goals, direction and how to invest local donations.
“We’ve always believed in the power of community and collaboration,” United Way of Cascade County Past Board Chair Tom Hering said. “This merger strengthens our ability to be a catalyst for positive change in our region. It also ensures that donations raised in our communities will directly benefit our neighbors, making a difference where it matters most.”
While United Way of Hill County is just starting its community impact work, United Way of Cascade County began bringing resources and stakeholders together to address local challenges in 2008.
In the years since, United Way of Cascade County has grown initiatives that address academic success, homelessness, child abuse and more. United Way of Cascade County President Gary Owen has led the organization for 25 years, growing its annual fundraising campaign to $1.2 million, which is the largest United Way campaign in the state.
“Together, we can create a more powerful, unified organization that can better serve our neighbors in Cascade and Hill counties,” Owen said. “By combining our resources and expertise, we can amplify our efforts, reach more individuals and families in need and create lasting change.”
United Way of Hill County Regional Director Danielle Golie will continue her work to unite people and resources in greater Hill County to improve the lives of people who live there and deliver measurable impact in the areas of healthy communities, youth opportunities, financial success and community resilience.
Three current United Way of Hill County board members, Obrecht, Kim Cripps and Joe LaPlante, will join the United Way of Cascade County board. United Way of Hill County will also form an advisory board that will help guide and advance its impact work.
United Way of Hill County currently funds nine nonprofits and will open its grant applications in March. United Way of Cascade County funds 30 nonprofit programs and will open grant applications in February.
To support this work, people can send gifts directly to United Way at PO Box 1343, Great Falls, MT 59403 or donate online.