mission.
To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.
What We Do.
Our purpose is to proactively move our region forward to meet community goals while providing for individuals’ basic needs by connecting community members with community resources.
who we are.
United Way is more than just the middle-man between community and resources. We are the go-to destination for problems to be solved by serving as a philanthropic marketplace for empowered individuals - where those who need help and those who can help come together in real time.
our staff.
Molly Lanke Executive Director 
Cathy Hirst Office Administrator |
Karem Salas Ramirez Community Impact Coordinator 
Velerie Faulhaber Backpack Program Coordinator |
Berghyn Hull Marketing & Resource Development Coordinator 
Cindy Raney Community Impact Intern |
board of directors.
President Jayne Gibson Austin Aspires 
Secretary Amy Baskin Retired Educator 
Director Melissa Swenson Austin Utilities 
Director Crystal Peterson Mower County |
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FAQ.
How is United Way different from other nonprofit organizations?
No other single organization meets the broad range of needs addressed by United Way. United Way goes beyond fundraising by researching the needs of the community and bringing the right resources and people together to solve tough local issues. We work with business, government, and partner agencies to develop regional health and human service policies and strategies. We fund programs that are meeting people’s needs today, and we are working on innovative solutions for lasting change. United Way monitors the performance of grant-funded projects and reports results to donors. And to top it off, United Way makes it easy for everyone to get involved.
Why give to United Way?
You make a difference. You are making an investment that benefits the entire community, not just one program, issue or population, and this leads to a stronger, more sustainable place to live and work. It is a smart investment. United Way provides expert management of donor investments and brings the right people, ideas and resources together to solve the most pressing needs of our community and finds innovative solutions for lasting change. United Way leverages your contribution by combining it with others and strategically investing in results-driven programs and initiatives to maximize the impact we have in the community. It is easy to give back in a way that matters to you. Spreading your giving throughout the year makes it easier to increase your giving while still staying within your budget
WHAT DOES UNITED WAY DO BESIDES FUND AGENCIES?
In addition to raising and investing dollars, United Way brings together community stakeholders, contributors, and agency partners to create collaborative and innovative approaches to help solve community issues. United Way also coordinates a variety of initiatives and programs such as our annual Coat Drive, Day of Caring, SingleCare, Success by Six , and more
Where does MY DONATION GO?
Your contribution is strategically invested in organizations and programs focused on the most significant community needs in the areas of education, health, financial stability, and basic needs in Mower County. United Way's competitive Community Investment process is that in which local programs submit written funding requests to be reviewed and discussed by community volunteers, who then make informed funding recommendations to the United Way Board of Directors. Funded partners are monitored for financial accountability and program progress throughout the year.
For a complete list of United Way’s currently funded programs, click here.
To learn more about participating as a Community Investment volunteer, contact us.
For a complete list of United Way’s currently funded programs, click here.
To learn more about participating as a Community Investment volunteer, contact us.
Can I afford to give?
It is true that some individuals may not be in a position to give because of their current financial situation. However, payroll deduction allows us an easy way to give a little each month, making it possible to help a lot on an annual basis. If you are unable to use payroll deduction United Way can bill you monthly/quarterly, etc. Remember every donation regardless of its size makes a difference in our community.
Is my United Way donation tax deductible?
Giving to United Way entitles taxpayers who file itemized returns to a tax deduction. If you itemize you can deduct the value of the cash, stock or property. Those donors who contribute gifts of $250 or more receive a receipt from United Way for use in their tax preparation. Please consult your tax advisor for information on your specific situation.
financials & documentation.
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Audited Financial Statements
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DIVERSITY, equity & INCLUSION.
We respect, value and celebrate the unique attributes, characteristics and perspectives that make each person who they are. We also believe that bringing diverse individuals together allows us to collectively and more effectively address the issues that face our communities. It is our aim, therefore, that our partners, strategies and investments reflect these core values.
Statement of Principle
United Way fosters and promotes an inclusive environment that leverages the unique contributions of diverse individuals and organizations so that we can collectively and effectively create opportunities for a better life for all. United Way takes the broadest possible view of diversity, going beyond visible differences to affirm the essence of all individuals including the realities, background, experiences, skills and perspectives that make each person who they are. Engaging the power of diverse talent and partners results in innovative solutions and the community ownership necessary to address complex community issues. Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of what it means to LIVE UNITED.
Statement on Anti-Racism and Ethnic Discrimination
Adopted from the United Way Worldwide Equity Framework
We recognize structural racism/ethnic discrimination and other forms of oppression have contributed to persistent disparities which United Way seeks to dismantle.
We understand that these disparities have existed in the past and persist into the present.
We acknowledge that these inequities are the result of policies and practices that work to marginalize entire populations of people.
We unequivocally denounce racism/ethnic discrimination because it undermines the well-being and vitality of our communities.
Our United Way network strives to engage community members, especially those whose voices have traditionally been marginalized.
We work with residents and public and private partners to co-create solutions that ensure everyone has the resources, supports, opportunities and networks they need to thrive.
We commit to leveraging all of our assets (convening, strategic investments, awareness building, advocacy) to create more equitable communities.
Statement of Principle
United Way fosters and promotes an inclusive environment that leverages the unique contributions of diverse individuals and organizations so that we can collectively and effectively create opportunities for a better life for all. United Way takes the broadest possible view of diversity, going beyond visible differences to affirm the essence of all individuals including the realities, background, experiences, skills and perspectives that make each person who they are. Engaging the power of diverse talent and partners results in innovative solutions and the community ownership necessary to address complex community issues. Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of what it means to LIVE UNITED.
Statement on Anti-Racism and Ethnic Discrimination
Adopted from the United Way Worldwide Equity Framework
We recognize structural racism/ethnic discrimination and other forms of oppression have contributed to persistent disparities which United Way seeks to dismantle.
We understand that these disparities have existed in the past and persist into the present.
We acknowledge that these inequities are the result of policies and practices that work to marginalize entire populations of people.
We unequivocally denounce racism/ethnic discrimination because it undermines the well-being and vitality of our communities.
Our United Way network strives to engage community members, especially those whose voices have traditionally been marginalized.
We work with residents and public and private partners to co-create solutions that ensure everyone has the resources, supports, opportunities and networks they need to thrive.
We commit to leveraging all of our assets (convening, strategic investments, awareness building, advocacy) to create more equitable communities.
