United Way of the Columbia-Willamette today announces that its 2009-2010 Community Giving Campaign has reached $20,103,670 which is a 2.2% increase over the previous year. This announcement comes one week after United Way released its Community Impact Results Report, highlighting the agency’s impact over the past five years.
During tough economic times, United Way credits its many individual, corporate, employee, retiree and foundation givers as helping to outpace last year’s Campaign total of $19.6 million. This is the fifth year in a row that United Way has increased the level of the giving campaigns and puts the organization among the top 10% of United Ways in the nation.
Intel Corporation’s record-setting campaign topped $6 million, significantly boosting the overall total for United Way with employee and retiree gifts as well as a one-to-one match from the Intel Foundation. Intel additionally contributed significant employee volunteer hours. This is the second year Intel has set a giving record with last year’s total at $5.6 million.
Of the almost 1,000 companies running an employee giving campaign this year, three stand out as this year’s awardees of the Campaign Chair’s Award for Excellence: Wells Fargo, Costco Wholesale, and Norm Thompson Outfitters. Of note in Clark County, the City of Vancouver is the awarded of the Best of County employee giving campaign award. At the Celebration of Caring event this Thursday evening, these and many other outstanding community partners will be honored with awards.
Wells Fargo’s employee giving and corporate gift totaled an outstanding $927,000 with employee giving increasing by almost $140,000 and volunteerism nearly doubling to 64,800 hours. Costco Wholesale’s campaign increased by an incredible 40% and contributed close to $400,000. Norm Thompson Outfitters’ campaign increased by 125% from $28,000 to $63,000 and employees also volunteered in a variety of community service projects.
Corporations and individuals that will be recognized at Celebration of Caring campaign announcement event include:
Best New Campaign: Deschutes Brewery
Labor Partner of the Year: IBEW Local 48
Campaign Coordinators of the Year: Dennis Catmull, Costco Wholesale and Danielle Sass, Benson Industries
Best of County:
Clackamas – Johnson Controls Battery Group
Clark – City of Vancouver
Multnomah – Benson Industries
Washington – Enterprise Holdings
Best of Trade:
Auto Dealers: Ron Tonkin Corporation
Banks/Finance: OnPoint Credit Union
Education: Beaverton School District
Health: Providence Health & Services
High Tech: TriQuint Semiconductor
Hospitality: Deschutes Brewery
Insurance: State Farm Insurance
Government: Clean Water Services
Manufacturing: PCC Structurals
Retail: Nordstrom
Professional: Stoel Rives
Media: The Columbian
Telecom: Comcast
Campaign Performance Awards:
Allstate Insurance Companies
Bi-Mart
Cascade Corporation
CH2M Hill
Deloitte
Enterprise Holdings
Harris Group
Intel
International Paper
OnPoint Credit Union
Oregon Business Council
Pacific Machinery & Tool Steel
Rodda Paint
Yost Grube Hall Architecture
Zones Inc
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Online: http://www.unitedway-pdx.org/
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
United Way Investment Report Shows Regional Gains in Education, Income, Health
United Way of the Columbia Willamette released a report on the results of the organizations’ Community Impact model of funding from 2004 to 2009. The report details how United Way leveraged $22.5 million in contributions to secure another $18.8 million in foundation and government grants, bringing the total investment to $41.3 million for community impact programs in Multnomah, Clark, Washington and Clackamas counties.
It is the first comprehensive report of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette’s impact since the organization moved to a community investment model, focused specifically on education, income and health. During the reporting period, United Way was to help 100,000 people a year improve their lives.
We invite you to read the full Community Impact Fund Results report on our website http://www.unitedway-pdx.org/ and even tell us what you think on United Way of the Columbia-Willamette's social networking pages on Facebook or Twitter. Read more about the announcement by reading the press release about the Community Impact Fund Results report.
It is the first comprehensive report of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette’s impact since the organization moved to a community investment model, focused specifically on education, income and health. During the reporting period, United Way was to help 100,000 people a year improve their lives.
We invite you to read the full Community Impact Fund Results report on our website http://www.unitedway-pdx.org/ and even tell us what you think on United Way of the Columbia-Willamette's social networking pages on Facebook or Twitter. Read more about the announcement by reading the press release about the Community Impact Fund Results report.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Free Tax Help Through United Way’s Tax Preparation Partnerships
Aiming to put savings and tax refunds in taxpayers’ pockets, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is funding free tax preparation programs for people across the region who may be eligible for tax refunds through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
EITC can be a financial boost for working people hit by hard economic times. Typically, Earned Income Tax Credit is available to most families earning less than $43,279 annually; and to individuals with an annual income of less than $13,440. Working families claiming EITC can receive up to $5,657 annually with tax credits. According to IRS records, about 25% of individuals and families living in Oregon who qualify for the earned credit don’t receive the refund because they haven’t filed for it. The refund is not automatic, and taxpayers must incorporate EITC into their tax filing.
United Way has allocated $77,500 to support free tax preparation programs in the Portland-Vancouver metro area. Of that amount, $50,000 came from United Way’s strategic initiatives fund, while Bank of America Charitable Foundation contributed $12,500. The WalMart Foundation dedicated $15,000 to provide tax assistance for people with disabilities.
read more >>
EITC can be a financial boost for working people hit by hard economic times. Typically, Earned Income Tax Credit is available to most families earning less than $43,279 annually; and to individuals with an annual income of less than $13,440. Working families claiming EITC can receive up to $5,657 annually with tax credits. According to IRS records, about 25% of individuals and families living in Oregon who qualify for the earned credit don’t receive the refund because they haven’t filed for it. The refund is not automatic, and taxpayers must incorporate EITC into their tax filing.
United Way has allocated $77,500 to support free tax preparation programs in the Portland-Vancouver metro area. Of that amount, $50,000 came from United Way’s strategic initiatives fund, while Bank of America Charitable Foundation contributed $12,500. The WalMart Foundation dedicated $15,000 to provide tax assistance for people with disabilities.
read more >>
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Partnership Seeks to Boost Census Participation Among ‘Hard-to-Count’ Communities
With the goal to increase participation in the 2010 Census among Multnomah County’s “hard-to-count” communities, an alliance of more than 20 nonprofits are working together to reach communities of color, non-English speaking residents, immigrants, low income households, seniors and people with disabilities, and homeless people.
Led by the offices of Multnomah County Commissioner Deborah Kafoury and City of Portland Commissioner Nick Fish, the Complete Count Committee has allocated $140,000 in mini-grants to local community organizations and nonprofits. The nonprofits are tasked with conducting community outreach, publicity, grassroots organizing and special events among hard-to-count communities with low participation in the 2000 Census.
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette will serve as the administrative agent for the Complete Count campaign. United Way will oversee disbursement of grant dollars to participating nonprofits and ensure that organizations are meeting their contracted outreach goals. read more
Led by the offices of Multnomah County Commissioner Deborah Kafoury and City of Portland Commissioner Nick Fish, the Complete Count Committee has allocated $140,000 in mini-grants to local community organizations and nonprofits. The nonprofits are tasked with conducting community outreach, publicity, grassroots organizing and special events among hard-to-count communities with low participation in the 2000 Census.
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette will serve as the administrative agent for the Complete Count campaign. United Way will oversee disbursement of grant dollars to participating nonprofits and ensure that organizations are meeting their contracted outreach goals. read more
Saturday, January 16, 2010
MLK Weekend of Service Projects Under Way
About 2,200 volunteers from across the Portland metro area are celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by contributing their time and effort to help local school and nonprofits.
This is the third year that United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is hosting the United Way MLK Weekend of Service, in partnership with Hands On Greater Portland. Projects are under way now through Monday, January 18.
In 2008, United Way debuted MLK Day of Service, attracting about 400 volunteers at about 30 projects. This year, there are over 100 "done-in-a-day" volunteer projects at 70+ agencies and schools throughout the region.
Above: Cree leaders from Friends of Trees work with volunteers to plant trees at a Southeast Portland neighborhood. Friends of Trees promotes planting, care and protection of urban trees to strengthen neighborhoods and renew the environment.
Volunteers help paint the interior of Outside In, an agency that provides housing, meals, health services, job resources and support for homeless youth and other low-income and marginalized people as they work towards self-sufficiency and improved health.
Volunteers help frame eight homes for the Jubilee Commons site of Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East.
Thanks volunteers for all your hard work in helping local agencies get important projects done. More photos from the weekend will be posted soon.
This is the third year that United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is hosting the United Way MLK Weekend of Service, in partnership with Hands On Greater Portland. Projects are under way now through Monday, January 18.
In 2008, United Way debuted MLK Day of Service, attracting about 400 volunteers at about 30 projects. This year, there are over 100 "done-in-a-day" volunteer projects at 70+ agencies and schools throughout the region.
Above: Cree leaders from Friends of Trees work with volunteers to plant trees at a Southeast Portland neighborhood. Friends of Trees promotes planting, care and protection of urban trees to strengthen neighborhoods and renew the environment.
Volunteers help paint the interior of Outside In, an agency that provides housing, meals, health services, job resources and support for homeless youth and other low-income and marginalized people as they work towards self-sufficiency and improved health.
Volunteers help frame eight homes for the Jubilee Commons site of Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East.Thanks volunteers for all your hard work in helping local agencies get important projects done. More photos from the weekend will be posted soon.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Help Quake Survivors in Haiti
Dear friends,
Below is a message from United Way Worldwide’s Linda Daily, Director of 2-1-1 and Interim Crisis Director, regarding the recent earthquake in Haiti.
Thank you,
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette
Dear Colleagues:
On the evening of January 12, 2010, a major 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti. It is the most powerful quake to hit the impoverished country in more than 200 years. The tremor struck 15km (10 miles) south-west of the capital Port-au-Prince, and was quickly followed by two strong aftershocks of 5.9 and 5.5 magnitude. Reports describe the destruction to affect as much as 70 percent of the buildings, with debris filling the roads making emergency response difficult. The Prime Minister reported on January 13 that hundreds of thousands of lives may have been lost.
You can help people affected by donating to the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund.
Gifts to the Fund support long-term recovery efforts to rebuild lives and infrastructure devastated by disaster and to address educational, financial and health-related challenges.
United Way Worldwide members in the Caribbean region have mobilized their staff, volunteer leaders and resources in response.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your staff who have family and friends in Haiti and the Caribbean region.
Please feel free to pass this information along.
Thank you and take care,
Linda
Linda Daily / Director, 2-1-1/Interim Crisis Director CILL / United Way Worldwide
tel: +1 703.836.7112 x 474
Below is a message from United Way Worldwide’s Linda Daily, Director of 2-1-1 and Interim Crisis Director, regarding the recent earthquake in Haiti.
Thank you,
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette
Dear Colleagues:
On the evening of January 12, 2010, a major 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti. It is the most powerful quake to hit the impoverished country in more than 200 years. The tremor struck 15km (10 miles) south-west of the capital Port-au-Prince, and was quickly followed by two strong aftershocks of 5.9 and 5.5 magnitude. Reports describe the destruction to affect as much as 70 percent of the buildings, with debris filling the roads making emergency response difficult. The Prime Minister reported on January 13 that hundreds of thousands of lives may have been lost.
You can help people affected by donating to the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund.
Gifts to the Fund support long-term recovery efforts to rebuild lives and infrastructure devastated by disaster and to address educational, financial and health-related challenges.
United Way Worldwide members in the Caribbean region have mobilized their staff, volunteer leaders and resources in response.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your staff who have family and friends in Haiti and the Caribbean region.
Please feel free to pass this information along.
Thank you and take care,
Linda
Linda Daily / Director, 2-1-1/Interim Crisis Director CILL / United Way Worldwide
tel: +1 703.836.7112 x 474
Friday, January 8, 2010
MLK Weekend of Service In the News
We're a week away from the start of the four-day MLK Weekend of Service volunteer blitz, and volunteer slots for more than 60 projects are almost full. Marking the third year that United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is hosting volunteer projects, this weekend of service is the largest thus far.United Way's MLK Weekend of Service covers the four-county Portland-Vancouver metro region. The volunteer blitz is organized in partnership with Hands On Greater Portland.
Check out this wonderful story on MLK Weekend of Service by Oregonlive.com's Shop Oregon blogger Jen McCabe.
Also today, The Oregonian's Susan Green posted a short story on the MLK project at Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare, a mental health clinic for low-income adults in North Portland.
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