United Way of Cascade County raised $1,302,026 in its annual fundraising campaign, surpassing last year’s total by nearly 6 percent, the organization announced Wednesday.
The campaign announcement coincided with a celebration honoring United Way President Gary Owen for 25 years of leadership and service.
“During my 25 years with United Way, I have been continually impressed by the sense of community in Great Falls,” Owen said. “The people in our community genuinely care for each other and are willing to give of their time and talents to strengthen the community we all care about.”
Owen said the campaign total reflects both community generosity and trust in United Way’s mission, particularly during challenging economic times.
“Our community is so generous and willing to step up to help our neighbors,” Owen said. “During these times of economic challenges and uncertainty, that generosity is especially important and appreciated. The annual United Way campaign does not measure the work that we do, but it is a reflection of the community’s trust in and willingness to support that work.”
Funds raised during last year’s campaign helped 30,571 people through grants awarded to 30 local nonprofit programs.
United Way relies heavily on volunteers who work with area employers to encourage individual giving and corporate support. Campaign Chair Bob Kelly noted that Cascade County continues to have the largest United Way fundraising campaign in Montana.
“Once again, I witnessed the incredible generosity of our community as individuals, institutions and businesses recognized their role in helping those in our service area,” Kelly said. “The work done by our volunteers helped so many folks be part of something bigger and help United Way do the necessary work year in and year out. I am so proud to live in such a caring community.”
More than 1,300 people donated to United Way this year, with most contributors giving less than $100 through small payroll deductions. Of the total funds raised, 63 percent came from 38 Pacesetter employers—organizations that commit early and significantly to supporting United Way of Cascade County.
Those Pacesetters include: Alliance for Youth, BeeHive Homes, Benefis Health System, Bison Motor Company, Bravera Bank, Calumet Montana Refining, Cascade County, Celtic Cowboy & Hotel Arvon, City of Great Falls, City Motor Company, Columbia Grain, Cogswell Insurance, D.A. Davidson, Dick Anderson Construction, Douglas Wilson & Company, First Interstate Bank, General Mills, Great Falls Chamber of Commerce, Great Falls College–MSU, Great Falls Public Schools, Horizon Credit Union, Hoven Equipment, HUB International Great Falls, Independence Bank, JCCS, LPW Architecture, Marsh McLennan Agency, Montana Credit Union, NeighborWorks Great Falls, NorthWestern Energy, Opportunity Bank, Opportunities Inc., Pacific Steel & Recycling, Pinion, RBC Wealth Management, Scheels, TDS Fiber and United Way of Cascade County.
The largest workplace campaigns were conducted by D.A. Davidson, Calumet, City Motor Company, General Mills and Great Falls Public Schools.
United Way also received support from individual donors across Cascade County. This year, 336 people contributed a combined $261,509, accounting for more than 20 percent of the campaign total.
Grant funding decisions are made by a team of United Way volunteers who evaluate both community needs and program effectiveness. The organization’s grant application process will open in February.
Contributions may still be made by mailing donations to United Way of Cascade County, P.O. Box 1343, Great Falls, MT 59403, or online at www.uwccmt.org.