United Way programs to get less money in '09
Podcast Episode
WCLO's Steve Benton reports on agency allocation cuts for 2009 approved by the North Rock County United Way Board
JANESVILLE — Programs and special grants supported by the United Way of North Rock County will get $245,718 less in 2009.
The United Way board voted unanimously Wednesday morning to cut 25 percent from funding to programs and 50 percent from special grants for agency contingencies, community initiatives and venture start-up.
The 25 percent across-the-board cuts recommended by the Resource Distribution Committee will total $238,218, affecting 80 programs administered by 38 United Way partner agencies.
The 50 percent reduction will total $7,500.
The reductions come on top of $33,350 in cutbacks announced in May for the last half of 2008.
"This is not good news, but I'm hoping something good might come out of it. Someone might step forward and make an unanticipated gift," said Dave Johnson, co-chairman of United Way's 2008 fundraising campaign that kicked off in September.
The new cutbacks came as no surprise to United Way leaders or its partner agencies. The struggling economy locally and nationally resulted in the United Way this year collecting $100,000 less than what people pledged.
Next year, the United Way expects to collect $400,000 less because of local businesses leaving or closing, including General Motors and some of its suppliers who will not be conducting 2008 fundraising campaigns.
"We won't get anything from them," said Gail Graham, president.
"When the plant went down in July, we knew we'd be losing a large portion of pledges and figured on a pledge loss reserve at 6 to 7 percent," she said.
Then when United Way learned the GM plant would lose a line and later close, officials knew they needed to start looking closer at what was happening, she said.
"We knew the pledge loss reserve we'd set up would not be enough. So we looked at what we thought collections would be, and we were certain we would be losing 15 percent instead of the 7 percent we've been seeing the last few years," Graham added.
That's what prompted Wednesday's decision to make further cutbacks, she said.
United Way's goal is to collect pledges totaling $1.35 million during the 2008 campaign that kicked off in September. It plans to distribute $714,665 to partner programs in 2009.
The cuts also will affect United Way's own operations.
United Way has a $505,948 budget this year—$239,395 to operate three in-house programs with the remainder for supporting services—and is looking at a $50,000 reduction to its internal spending for 2009.
"Every line item of the budget will be scrutinized. These are challenging times for all of us. As we move forward, we must all work together to minimize the impact on those we serve," Graham said.
Graham said 2009 would be a rebuilding year.
"We have been known as an automotive community, and those things are changing. So we as a United Way need to change as well. We have learned by what we've gone through. Janesville and all of Rock County will be looking for a new identity as we move forward," she said.
Whether 2009 will bring more cuts for United Way and its partner agencies and their programs, Graham couldn't say.
"I don't have a crystal ball. But the 25 percent cut hopefully ensures that we wouldn't have to go back and make another cut in the first or second quarter of next year."
However, Graham cautiously added: "The economic conditions of our country changes daily. It's very tenuous."
Meanwhile, Johnson said, the current campaign is gaining momentum.
"Many companies are seeing increases in employee participation, and more businesses are running employee campaigns," Johnson said.
"It is our belief that our community and country is strong, and we'll rebound and be able to provide the dollars that these programs need to be successful," Graham said.
Oct 11, 2008 at 12:06 a.m.
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I'd like to start by saying that since I was a young child, my family has believed in charity. However, my parents were careful to point out to me that charity isn't just about opening your wallet - it's about sharing your time. My wife and I are both lower-level professionals with hectic work schedules and a young child to care for. Still, we find time to help out as best we can with charities that we personally believe in. That said, I have to admit that I've never been a fan of the United Way. I'm sure the people in the local office are good people trying to do good work, but the fact is that as long as there is a professional staff in that office, money is not going to its intended target. And as I said before, I believe time is as valuable, if not more so, than money. Let those who are better off donate money they can afford to. Most would rather write a check than get their hands dirty. If you can't afford to donate but want to help out in some way and feel good about yourself in the process, I suggest getting involved in a manner other than monetary.
Just my view.
Oct 10, 2008 at 9:41 p.m.
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DrTalk, Truth1 and lovesto(s)crap: If I were to use your logic, I would refuse to support the Janesville Police Department because I'm mad that some cops in LA beat up Rodney King.
Oct 10, 2008 at 10:01 a.m.
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I have been giving to United Way since I was asked - almost 20 yrs now. I will still continue to give and encourage those non-beleivers, to become educated on the United Way movement.
United Way is a national network of nearly 1,300 local organizations that work to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health. These are the building blocks for a good life: a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health.
United Way of North Rock County is part of the national United Way movement. United Ways create long-lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of the most significant local issues. Common focus areas include helping children and youth achieve their potential, promoting financial stability and independence, and improving people’s health. The United Way goal is to create long-lasting changes by addressing the underlying causes of problems.
It takes everyone in the community working together to create a brighter future. People from all across the community–government, business, faith groups, nonprofits, the labor movement, ordinary citizens– are brought together to tackle the issues. We all win when a child succeeds in school, when a family becomes financially stable and when people have good health.
I encourage everyone to get involved in being part of the solution and learn more at www.liveunited.org .
Oct 10, 2008 at 12:37 a.m.
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http://www.channel3000.com/news/440215/d...
Here is one link regarding united way and the boy scouts.
Oct 9, 2008 at 11:55 p.m.
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I will not, nor have I ever given to united way for those exact reasons Dr. Talk and Truth1. I am with you both on this!
Oct 9, 2008 at 9:14 p.m.
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My point was that the reduction in contributions to the United Way is directly proportionate to the loss of jobs.
Get over yourself, I gave alot and wish I still could, and I do not work at GM.
Oct 9, 2008 at 9:08 p.m.
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truth1...I did the search for you...this is what came up.
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"Your search - "united way" "dirty and stupid stuff" - did not match any documents."
Oct 9, 2008 at 8:46 p.m.
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onelife2live, get over yourself, GM and the union are NOT the only people that give to the United Way!!! There are others that give, and maybe even much more.
Oct 9, 2008 at 7:27 p.m.
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A lot of money in Rock county United Way was rasied through GM and all the UAW employees...not to start a bash thread here but the well has dried up..
Oct 9, 2008 at 7:07 p.m.
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JohnDoe--Possibly some people with firsthand experience can shed some more light on the subject, although I could spend the night doing internet searches and probably fill up a whole page, I'm not going to use my time that way.
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I do know that UW in other areas has stopped giving to the Boy Scouts altogether because the Boy Scouts will not hire "gay" scoutmasters.
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Oct 9, 2008 at 6:36 p.m.
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truth1...what specifically are you talking about?
Share your knowledge.
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"the dirty and stupid stuff that has gone on with them" ????
Oct 9, 2008 at 6:25 p.m.
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I think DrTalk is referring to United Way nationally, not specifically the Rock County chapter......The local chapter might be ok, but UW will not be getting anything from me for ANY chapter because of the dirty and stupid stuff that has gone on with them in other areas.......Its too bad the bad ones spoil it for the good ones.
Oct 9, 2008 at 4:35 p.m.
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Besides DrTalk's bit of misinformation, there are some that spread the rumor that United Way of North Rock County does not fund the Boy Scouts. That is also not true; they do support Scouting.
Oct 9, 2008 at 3:32 p.m.
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Not only that, but you can donate to specific organizations that United way helps to fund. Sounds to me that Dr Talk, doesn't know what he is talking about!
Oct 9, 2008 at 3:04 p.m.
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The United Way of North Rock County does not fund Planned Parenthood. For a list of programs funded by the United Way of North Rock County, go to: http://www.unitedwayjanesville.org/files....
Oct 9, 2008 at 2:05 p.m.
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I don't give to United Way because it's an umbrella organization; they end up giving the money to multiple charities. I think it's better to give to charities directly. That way you know where your money is going.
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Please be aware that United Way gives to Planned Parenthood. If you want to know that your money is not supporting abortion, then don't give to United Way.
Oct 9, 2008 at 1:29 p.m.
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For lo, these many years we've wondered what became of Lenny & Squiggy. Now here we find them playing foosball in Janesville. Who would have thought?
Oct 9, 2008 at 10:51 a.m.
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Mainstreet: Don't be giving the guy a big head,no way it looks like chuck,and the other guy doesn't look like MCcain either!! LOL
Oct 9, 2008 at 10:20 a.m.
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Just when times are at their toughest, our community is losing an important safety net. I hope that none of the programs that depend on United Way contributions have to shut down completely.
Oct 9, 2008 at 9:13 a.m.
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Is that Chuck Norris in the picture playing foosball?
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