When you think about United Way, what comes to mind? For lots of folks, the answer is fund raising. There is a good reason for that. Last year, United Way of Whatcom County raised over $1.6 million dollars in support of the Community Safety Net.

It is true that United Way raises money for emergency food and shelter, child abuse prevention, youth development programs, mental health services, domestic violence shelter programs and many other services provided by the 27 partner agencies with over 60 programs for those in need in Whatcom County.
 

But it takes more than money to build a Community Safety Net. It takes people. With your help, United Way has the unique ability, individually and collectively, to achieve broad civic goals that no single donor, citizen or charity could accomplish alone. Dedicated community volunteers provide the leadership. Caring partner agency staff members provide the support. It is a winning combination that allows United Way to be much more than a fundraiser. Following is a short list of the work United Way does beyond the annual fund raising campaign.
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Working in concert with businesses, volunteers and non-profit agencies United Way strengthens non-profit agencies through year-round support and assistance in a variety of ways (i.e. annual reviews of programs, finances and management, technical support to staff and volunteers – particularly new staff and volunteers, management assistance on emerging issues, monthly forum for partner agency Executive Directors, networking on best practices and issues of common concern, reduction of duplication of services, workshops and training opportunities, etc.)

• Assesses community needs, communicates the need to the entire community and then allocates United Way dollars to the most pressing needs.
  
• Encourages philanthropy.
  
• Encourages volunteerism.
  
• Creates a culture of giving and caring within companies that offer United Way campaigns and through the broader community.

United Way of Whatcom County works day in and day out all year long out to support and strengthen the non-profit community in order to increase the quality of life in Whatcom County for all of us…from the most vulnerable and the most blessed.