United Way campaign kicks off Saturday

NORWICH – Saturday, Sept. 23 will be the date of the kick off for the 2006 United Way Campaign. This year the organization plans to take a fresh approach, and focus on community impact rather than just fundraising to meet a monetary goal.

Executive Director of the Chenango County United Way Elizabeth Monaco is excited about this year’s campaign.

“We have no campaign goal this year. We’re looking at the needs of the community and focusing on the results,” Monaco said.

The United Way has completely retooled its system. This year, community partners - formerly known as member agencies - will have to apply for funding and count on the quality of the request to get it. The requests will be accepted until the deadline in November, and then the United Way will inform the community of the total.

“The fall 2006 Chenango United Way campaign will focus on the measurable results and community outcomes achieved by the community partners who are funded by local United Way dollars,” the 2006 Campaign Statement reads.

In another change this year, the United Way will have higher accountability for where local donations are going. In an effort to make sure every donor knows for what their money is being used, every six months a “community report card” will be produced. The “report card” will outline how local programs are using United Way dollars.

Last year, the local United Way campaign raised $493,000, and despite the demands on the community due to the late June flooding, Monaco remains optimistic about this year’s campaign.