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United Way launches Call to Action campaign

Agency that assists local nonprofits is anticipating shortfall in its fundraising campaign.

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By Tiffany Y. Latta, Staff Writer 10:54 PM Saturday, November 28, 2009

HAMILTON — More Butler County residents are struggling to make ends meet and seeking assistance from local pantries and other nonprofit agencies.

But the organization that funds these agencies is having a hard time, too.

The Butler County United Way is struggling to raise money for its annual campaign that began Sept. 11 with a goal of $2.45 million.

But two months into the fundraising campaign, officials are anticipating a shortfall up to $500,000, which could result in steep cuts to the United Way and the agencies it serves, said Maureen Noe, president of the United Way.

“It’s more significant than losing money," Noe said. “It means these agencies will need to change the way they provide service. For some agencies this is their lifeline and (funds from the campaign) represent half if not more than their budget. It could mean that they start turning people away."

To boost donations, officials are launching a Call to Action campaign pleading with area businesses and residents to give.

Joe Belew, a United Way contributor, will send out letters next week explaining the impact the poor economy has had on the United Way and the agencies it serves.

In the letter, Belew said the agency has lost $200,000 after a local company merged with another and moved to another community.

Belew also states that the United Way lost an additional $60,000 in contributions from companies that have closed and two companies nearing bankruptcy that cannot run a campaign.

“These losses have all come on the heels of us knowing that the social service agencies are facing budget challenges of their own as well as seeing sometimes as many as 65 percent more clients," Belew wrote.

In addition, Belew notes that the agency was forced last year to cut staff, change its health care plan, and make other internal changes to save money.

The cuts came after officials raised just $2.1 million of its $2.6 million goal, which resulted in an emergency eight-week campaign to raise $200,000 to avoid funding cuts to area nonprofit agencies.

With joblessness locally nearing 10 percent, and area residents stretched thin, officials say they may have to make more cuts.

“United Way staff is prepared again to make the financial changes necessary to keep as many dollars into direct service, but a $500,000 cut is not an option,” Belew said. “Together we can pool our resources and make a difference.”