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As a six-year member of UWGCR Board of Directors, I’ve had the opportunity to see first-hand, the incredible work that the organization and 70+ partner agencies have been doing in our communities. Examples of this work can be found in the more than 10,000 calls that have come through our 211 Call Center, close to 2 million meals served to kids through the Summer Meals Collaborative since 2013 or the 11,000 families who were connected to food, clothing, counseling services and more through our network of six Family Neighborhood Resource Centers.
The support for this work is strong, but, unfortunately, is decreasing over time.
This observation is not unique to the Capital Region. In a recent report
published by The Giving Institute, a team at Indiana University Lilly Family
School of Philanthropy identified a significant decline in giving to nonprofits
across the United States following a giving spike during the pandemic.
In a time where donors are dealing with the challenges of inflation and high interest
rates, continuing support can be a challenge, even when the need is great.
Not-for-Profits, like the United Way, are navigating the same challenges, while
the issues in our communities still exist and, in many ways, may have increased
as a result of the pandemic.
As we enter the season of giving, please remember that you can still get a great return on your philanthropic investment and there are many practical and pragmatic
reasons why you should consider giving to United Way of the Greater Capital
Region. Here are just a few of those reasons:
- Giving to United Way allows you to diversify your support towards a variety of local needs, with a focus on Health, Education & Financial Stability
- United Way performs periodic Needs Assessments to ensure donor dollars are prioritized to those who need it most
- Funded programs & initiatives are reviewed annually to measure community impact and effectiveness
- Workplace Campaign donations through payroll deduction guarantee agencies annual funding opposed to sporadic giving
Regardless of how you support United Way, an investment in your community will pay dividends. A rising tide lifts all boats. I believe this wholeheartedly. As you make your year-end and holiday season giving decisions, please consider supporting United Way of the Greater Capital Region.
To donate to United Way of the Greater Capital Region or learn more about our community impact, click here.
With gratitude,
Brian Sano
Board Chair, United Way of the Greater Capital Region
*Brian's op-ed was published in the Troy Record and Saratogian this past Sunday
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