United Way taking the lead in fundraising

ORGANIZATION LAUNCHES LEADERSHIP GIVING PROGRAM

The United Way of Lethbridge and South Western Alberta is hoping more community members “follow the leaders” with a new initiative intended to raise funds for local non-profits.

On Wednesday, the United Way launched its Leadership Giving program, Leader of the Way, at the Galt Museum and Archives.

Leader of the Way is intended for those who are committed to donate $1,200 or more to the United Way each year.

The United Way provides grants to support many programs each year that help build healthy families and communities, alleviate poverty, and aid positive youth and child development. These programs help more than 20,000 people of all ages annually.

Executive director Trudy Carrels has been developing the Leader of the Way program since she started with United Way 11 months ago. She knew they needed to find another way to build sustainability to meet the community’s needs.

“We have literally $500 to $1.2 million in requests for needs. We are far from reaching that. So we need to change that,” she said.

Funding requests have increased over the years and the United Way is trying hard to keep up with the demand. However, they are currently unable to meet every request, or can only provide partial funding. A consistent and stable funding source allows the United Way to help as many community organizations as possible.

“We see those needs. They are so raw ... so real,” said Carrels. “This is to provide another option to our workplace campaigns, for people to be able to step up and be part of something that builds not just viability, but sustainability for the organization.”

One particular concern is that the child poverty rate in southern Alberta is the highest in the province, she noted. The United Way can help whether they fund food programs, support services, after-school programs, or organizations that provide youth a safe place to sleep.

“If we address this we will make a better community because our children are our future generation. And if we want to build our economy stronger ... and a better community, if we invest into children’s lives, that brings a better stronger future for southwestern Alberta.”

Leadership giving has been a nationwide movement in United Way across Canada, she said, and giving at the leadership level doesn’t need to feel burdensome. Some have committed to making smaller donations over time, such as $100 per month or $23 each week, which ends up making a big impact.

“When one dollar gets pooled with other dollars, that’s a big investment. So through that, then we can impact more organizations which touch people’s lives,” said Carrels. “They know they can focus on what they do well, knowing that they can rely on some funding from the United Way to become stronger.”

Leadership donations can be made as legacy gifts in memory of a loved one. Leadership donors also receive some exclusive perks. They have the opportunity to fill vacancies on United Way’s board of directors and allocations committee, which are responsible for choosing funding allocations each year.

Donors can also visit some of United Way’s partner agencies to see firsthand the impact their gift is making, as well as receiving a tax receipt for the full value.

The first seven leaders to the program were celebrated on Wednesday for their ongoing commitment to help create sustainable, consistent funding for the community through United Way. They are: Chad Zentner, Judy Schrempf, Brian Wichers, Kristie Kruger, Ron Sakamoto and Sonny and Kim Nakashima.

Carrels said she was honoured to recognize them for their contributions.

“What a fantastic feeling to know that when you come together with others, that you’re actually affecting so many organizations. That’s powerful.”

For more information on Leaders of the Way, visit