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 WHY GIVE THE UNITED WAY? 

Hello! This is Mariah - your local Executive Director for United Way.

Since 1941 United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties has empowered our neighbors to invest in programs that bring vital health, education, and financial stability resources to those who need help the most. We are grateful for the thousands of donors who have empowered this local mission over the course of eight decades.

A lot has changed in 80 years, and the landscape for charitable giving looks far different today than when we started. A joy of my job is sitting down with people to hear their story, as well as their desires, frustrations, and fears regarding giving. I'm here to help you navigate these feelings and find ways to ensure your hard-earned resources make a meaningful and lasting impact in our community.

Here are 3 ways we help you "Find Your Way With United Way":

1. Transparency & Active Participation 

You want to know how your contributions are allocated. Perhaps you've given to nonprofits in the past that haven't communicated well and have left you unclear on the impact of your donation. This probably left you feeling disconnected and discouraged. 
The United Way Solution: We take our finances very serioulsy, and we pride ourelves on adhering to a stringent set of United Way membership standards that focus on 
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governance, ethics, financial management, and operations. We believe clarity is kind and seek to provide as much information to donors as possible. (Not to toot our own horn, but you can see this demonstrated by our 2024 Gold Seal of Transparency with Candid!)
We share a list of our Community Impact grant recipients on our website, and we regularly invite donors to volunteer with our grant evaluations process in order to see how funds are allocated first-hand.

2. Supporting Your Unique Passions

You want to give to opportunities that align with your values and passions. But at times you might find it difficult to find trustworthy organizations that match your ideals. 
The United Way Solution: We have committed to providing our donors the option to
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direct their gift to a focus area that matches their interests. When you make a gift, either online or via a recent payroll form, you can designate your gift to one of six areas of focus as well as the county you call home. Our annual grant evaluation process then helps ensure your contributions go to reputable programs in our region.
For example, last year a company reached out wanting to allocate their impact to a targeted region in Kankakee County. We reached out to trusted partners from that area and launched a targeted grants process. Our volunteers reviewed applications and had the funds distributed within the year.

3. Giving Of Yourself, Not Just Your Wallet

You want opportunities to be involved in the cause you care about. Perhaps you've given to a local organization for years without being asked to do anything to help. Because you care, you probably want to!
The United Way Solution: We want to know you personally, not just as a name on a mailing list. We offer a large variety of ways to engage in service for our community. CLICK HERE to complete our Volunteer Interest Form and select an area you are interested in. A United Way team member will get back to you, and - just a warning - we will likely ask you out to coffee to learn more about you and to get you plugged in.
Our Women United affinity group's quarterly Kindness Projects is a great example of how we create personal opportunities to serve. Members regularly volunteer as a group or collect needed items for nonprofits serving women and girls in Kankakee or Iroquois Counties. From gathering diapers for new moms to assembling care packages, Kindness Projects allow our members to give back in a tangible way. Our Women United members have committed to giving at a level of $5+ per month, so if this interests you please reach out to Melina Pizano at melina@myunitedway.org.

Conclusion 

We want you to join with us in making a tangible difference in our community. Your generosity, both through financial contributions and your personal involvement, helps create lasting change for our neighbors in need.
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  • GIVE - You can click here to make an online gift, designated to your preferred focus area, or avoid fees by mailing your check or cash gift to PO BOX 1286, Kankakee, IL 60901.
     
  • OTHER WAYS - Curious about giving in a more strategic way, such as through an IRA distribution, including us in your will, or via a donor advised fund? These are great options, but can be tricky to navigate. Contact me at mariah@myunitedway.org and I'd be happy to help lend some clarity in setting this up. 
     
  • GET INVOLVED - Complete our Volunteer Interest Form or contact Melina Pizano at melina@myunitedway.org to learn more about Women United. 
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Together, we can make a positive impact and build a stronger, more connected community. Thank you for your support and commitment to giving the United Way.
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