United Way of Mower County's (UWMC) annual fundraising effort, which supports over twenty local nonprofits, has officially begun. Each Community Campaign is vital in the way that funds raised ensure individuals in need can access critical resources, and, like the past two years, this Community Campaign carries an added sense of urgency amid the continued COVID-19 pandemic and record-high inflation. The fundraising goal has been set at $1,275,000 to reflect the funding needs of UWMC partner agencies.
"UWMC and our funded partners would like to thank the community once again for its support of the 2021 Community Campaign, which raised nearly $1,140,000. Your generosity allowed us to strategically reinvest those funds in thirty eight local programs that provide life-changing services throughout Mower County" said UWMC Executive Director, Molly Lanke. "While we are proud of the results achieved throughout the past year, we know that the work does not stop there. Many individuals are still struggling and need our help, and many nonprofits rely on UWMC funding to be able to provide critical services to those in need."
By focusing on four key building blocks - education, financial stability, health, and basic needs - UWMC ensures that families have what they need to thrive in Mower County. UWMC support offers a ‘full-circle’ effect for Mower County. A strong economy depends on the good health of its citizens. Healthy people may be better able to work and secure higher levels of education, which contributes to personal wealth and regional prosperity. And when basic needs are met, we all prosper.
Donations to UWMC go further than a donation to a single nonprofit can. UWMC looks for service gaps and duplications so that donor dollars go not only to the needs that everyone is aware of, but also to those that are less obvious but no less important. An investment in UWMC is one that benefits the entire community, not just one program, issue, or population. This support ultimately leads to a brighter future and a better place to call home.
Through tough times that affect us all or times that are tough for just a few, what we do now is critical to paving a path to a better tomorrow. Can we count on you to Live United?
frequently asked questions
WHAT IS UNITED WAY?
United Way leads the fight for the health, education, financial stability, and basic needs of every person in Mower County. We...
Unite: We bring together businesses, nonprofits, elected officials, and individuals like you.
Strategize: Together, we develop new, sound strategies to take on Mower County’s toughest challenges.
Tackle: We mobilize our community to implement solutions that create change.
Evaluate: We measure data-driven results to ensure progress.
HOW IS UNITED WAY DIFFERENT FROM OTHER NONPROFITS?
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 peoples' needs today, and we are working on innovative solutions for lasting change. United Way monitors the performance of grant-funded programs and reports results to donors.
WHY SHOULD I GIVE TO UNITED WAY?
A gift to United Way goes further than a gift to a single nonprofit can. United Way looks for service gaps and duplications so that Community Campaign dollars go not only to the needs that everyone is aware of, but also to those needs that are less obvious but no less important. An investment in the United Way is one that benefits the entire community, not just one program, issue, or population. This support ultimately leads to a brighter future and stronger place to call home.
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.
IS MY DONATION TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
United Way of Mower County is a federally registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation. As such, donations to United Way are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by an individual’s or corporation’s circumstances. Donors who contribute $250 or more by check, cash, or credit card will receive an acknowledgment from United Way for use in their tax preparation.
Those contributing through payroll deduction in their workplace should keep a copy of their signed pledge card and maintain their last pay stub of the tax year or Form W-2 from their employer that summarizes the amount withheld for United Way during their tax year.
HOW CAN i GET INVOLVED?
Give: You can trust United Way to stretch your dollar to all corners of Mower County and invest it where the most significant impact will be made. We have several donation options that make giving - and supporting our neighbors - easier than ever. Click hereto donate today for a better tomorrow.
Workplace Campaign: The United Way Workplace Campaign unites employees in all sectors by allowing them to donate, volunteer, and speak out for causes that matter to them. Workplace campaigns are about more than just raising money for worthy causes; they also strengthen connections between employees and our community. Let us knowif your workplace is interested in making a difference by coordinating a Workplace Campaign.
Volunteer: It's not just about monetary donations. Whether you join in on campaign planning to provide strategic insights or spend a few hours a week preparing campaign materials, your time makes a difference. Contact us for more information.
In-Kind Donations: As we said, all donations are valuable to the United Way! Please reach out if you have a non-monetary gift in mind.
WHAT If i still have questions?
Let's connect! Please submit the form below and we will be in touch:
where the money goes
uwmc funding priorities
By focusing on four key building blocks - education, financial stability, health, and basic needs - we are ensuring that families have what they need to thrive in Mower County. United Way support offers a ‘full-circle’ effect for Mower County. A strong economy depends on the good health of its citizens. Healthy people may be better able to work and secure higher levels of education, which contributes to personal wealth and regional prosperity. And when basic needs are met, we all prosper.
currently funded partners
currently funded programs
your opportunity
When you give to United Way of Mower County…
You help local children and youth engage more in learning. With increased exposure to early educational experiences and out-of-school opportunities, more kids will enter our schools with fundamental learning skills – and a foundation for life-long success.
You help individuals connect with resources that increase their household income. When linked with training and employment opportunities, the unemployed or underemployed in our area obtain skills that can foster a career – and ultimately, kickstart their economic security.
You help people throughout our community become more self-sufficient. By getting easier access to affordable healthcare, stable housing and available food, neighbors of ours can overcome the stressful, daily challenges of meeting their basic needs.
United Way funds programs that not only help our neighbors in times of crises, but also in everyday life and activities. Did you know that United Way funded partners reported serving 23,319 individuals in 2020? That's more than half of the Mower County population!
Meanwhile, 71% of UWMC funded programs have seen a recent increase in demand for services and 76% report being unable to serve all who need their services. Your donation equips programs with the tools needed to keep up and powers program expansion so that those who need help get help.
Take a look at our impact - made possible by your support - by the numbers:
Who do United Way funded programs serve?
What types of services do United Way funded programs provide?
