Grinnell United Way is no ordinary non-profit — when you donate money to the organization, you donate to as many as nine organizations!
In Grinnell, United Way is a 100% volunteer organization, operating with an exclusive focus on raising money to support non-profit organizations in Grinnell.
“Even with organizations like the Poweshiek Housing Fund,” says President Ashley Grundler, “we make sure that our funds are being allocated and targeting the 10,000 folks living in Grinnell. It is a part of the United Way charter and mission."
When organizations apply for funds through United Way, the process is straightforward. Answer about 25 questions highlighting the organization’s work, deliver a budget and guidelines for a project, and tell the story behind the organization. Answer questions, deliver a plan, and tell a story — how many Grinnell community members will be supported if they receive these funds?
The non-profits United Way supports are focused in one of three key areas: education, overcoming financial hardships, and health — this last year, they supported various organizations, including Grinnell Farm To Table, Grinnell Community Early Learning Center, and Suds of Love.
“Between the eight members of our board, we wear different hats in the community and have connections to the work our agencies do,” notes Grundler. When community members reach out to Grinnell United Way for resources, their team can point them to the proper community organization for help.
But it cannot be done without fundraising efforts. This fall, the United Way team is preparing to launch their most critical fundraising campaign yet. Their goal? $90,000, all of which they are planning to allocate directly back into the community. “It’s a little backwards, but in a way it forces our hands to deliver on that amount to our organizations,” explains Grundler.
Efforts include everything, from fundraising letters and fundraising nights, like Pagliai's Pizza Grinnell's “Pags Give Back Night.”. Once a month, the board comes together to discuss fundraising efforts, as well as create various committees to discuss other important needs of the organization. Kris Mensing, the treasurer of United Way of Grinnell, invites volunteers to join him in his accounting and budgeting conversations. “I’m the budget guy,” he told Ambassadors, “and although it is taxing to be strict about budget, it is rewarding to be able to allocate correctly.”
Plus, he adds that if accounting isn’t your strength, you can volunteer to create different aspects of the fundraising campaign, public relations, or outreach work.
Any donation helps. Stop into the Chamber to collect a brochure to mail your check in, or give online on www.GrinnellUnitedWay.org. If you would like to volunteer to help, whether through accounting, public relations, or social media, email info@grinnellunitedway.org. If you are or know a non-profit leader, encourage them to apply for a grant through United Way! After all, 97% of funds go directly to their partner agencies that impact about 3,500 Grinnellians. Be the next one to live united. Make an impact.
Chamber Ambassadors, from left to right:
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