By: Allison Gregory—
Muncie, IN– With six weeks remaining in United Way of Delaware County’s 2017 campaign, early calculations show the non-profit is 47 percent of the way to its goal of $1.2 million. This milestone is slightly ahead of the campaign’s standing at this time last year—but there is much work left to be done.
With nearly half of Delaware County living in or near poverty, Campaign Chair Casey Stanley has called on volunteers, staff, and community members to show support as year-end giving approaches.
“While we are a little ahead of our numbers and money raised last year, our mission is to exceed the goal,” shared Stanley at a recent campaign meeting. “The need in our community demands it, and we won’t rest until we get there.”
Throughout Delaware County, 47 percent of households either live in poverty or are one unplanned financial crisis away from it. Through this year’s campaign, UWDC will strategically invest in 29 local programs that offer resources to these working families. By providing children with the early education opportunities they need, UWDC will develop future economic growth and a strong workforce that will break this cycle.
“United Way’s Campaign Kick-Off started us off strong,” Stanley said. “The campaign leadership team and scores of other volunteers have been diligent, but it’s time to dig in and make a strong finish.”
This year, the Ball Brothers Foundation, George and Frances Ball Foundation, and the UnitedIN16 Grant from the Indiana United Ways have covered administrative and overhead costs, which make up nearly 16 percent of UWDC’s annual expenses. This means that 100 percent of donor dollars are directly dedicated to impact through local community programs right here in Delaware County.
Several local businesses and organizations are reporting progress in their support as well. IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, First Merchants Bank, and MutualBank—among others—have increased their giving in 2017, and Ontario Systems has more than doubled its contributions. As Ball State University—under the leadership of its new president, Geoffrey Mearns—wraps up its annual campaign, early returns show increased campus support as well.
“By giving to United Way, making a real impact in Delaware County is easy,” said UWDC President and CEO Jenni Marsh. “We identify the organizations in our community that target early childhood education and provide resources to help end generational poverty. For us, this mission is critical. Donors can count on United Way to ensure their dollars go to the most effective community programs.”
With a target completion date of Dec. 13, Stanley encourages the whole community to stand behind this year’s campaign goal.
“I challenge our team and our community to continue working boldly toward our campaign goal,” said Stanley. “Through our actions and results, we will make a visible statement that this place matters, and our shared future is bright. When each member of our community turns their belief into action, we can change lives through United Way of Delaware County.”
To change futures and transform lives through United Way funded programming, visit InvitedToLiveUnited.org/give. Together, we can Identify the Obstacles, Take on the Impossible, and Conquer Generational Poverty.
About United Way of Delaware County
United Way of Delaware County, Indiana engages the community to improve lives by focusing resources on education, health, and financial stability. The nonprofit fights to create lasting change in community conditions. As the sponsoring organization for the community’s Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, United Way works to help children read at or above grade level by the end of their third-grade year. It is during this critical time that children transition from learning how to read, into readers who learn from what they have read. United Way strategically invests in local programs that provide services that contribute to children’s success with reading and ultimately aim to end generational poverty in Delaware County. Learn more at www.InvitedToLiveUnited.org.
