3 United Ways seeing strength in unity
Published: Monday, February 8, 2010
The boards of directors of United Way of Merrimack County, North Country United Way and Heritage United Way have unanimously approved a letter of intent to merge their three United Way organizations into a single UW entity. The newly formed UW is being supported by the three organizations and is viewed as a logical step to unify these closely integrated organizations. The resulting merger is consistent with United Ways Worldwide desire to deliver a consistent “United Way experience.”
The three organizations have formed a volunteer committee comprising board members from each organization to develop and oversee a significant due diligence process. The merger is expected to yield many positive outcomes including more effective fundraising in each region, reduced operating expenses and improved program offerings. The letter of intent assures local governance remains in place for each region, and that all funds raised locally will continue to be invested locally.
“By combining our expertise and strengths with Merrimack County and North Country United Way we will have the ability to increase our support to the communities and agencies we serve,” said Heritage United Way Board Chairman Dr. Steven Paris.
Representatives from each organization will participate as members of the UW board of directors, which will collaborate on various program initiatives with the overall goal of creating a significant impact in each community.
Each region will have the added support of utilizing one another as a resource to further develop strategic yearly fundraising campaigns and community initiatives. United Way of Merrimack County is currently adopting the Community Impact Model for grant fulfillment. This new model was successfully adopted by Heritage United Way in 2007. The existing collaboration has allowed Heritage United Way to provide consultation to UW of Merrimack County.
Local and statewide programs will also find the process of applying for financial support from the unified organization to be much more efficient. All three regions expect to report very successful years for donations raised with a combined total exceeding $5.78 million, which will be distributed to over 150 nonprofit programs within their respective local markets.
In addition to fundraising initiatives, the combined UW will offer a number of grant leveraging programs that will raise additional funds for the benefit of the community, such as Project Homelessness Connect, a one-stop support program for Manchester’s homeless recently sponsored by the Heritage United Way. Another program with expansion potential is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, which put over $440,000 back into residents hands last year.
“We believe this union is an excellent opportunity for our organization to bridge our efforts for the good of the community,” said United Way of Merrimack County Board of Governors Chair, Marty Van Oot.
While details of the merger are still being determined, the agreement ensures that the current United Way staff will continue to be employed as a result of the merger and staff offices will remain within each of their respected regions.
Among other communities, the new UW will service Bedford, Derry, Londonderry, Manchester and Windham.
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