July 27, 2007

2007 Community Funding Announced

More than $18 million invested in programs to make our region stronger

Rochester, NY – Next week, United Way will begin a new year of investments into local programs that change tens of thousands of lives in our community.

Beginning on August 1, 2007, United Way will invest in 99 programs and collaborations, which are run by more than 60 agency partners. The money that is invested comes from annual campaign donations—which raised, in total, $33.5 million. After designated contributions and gifts to other United Ways are set aside, nearly $18.1 million was available for program funding.

“We truly believe in the programs we’re funding, and in our community collaborations,” said Patricia Davis, Director of Community Investment at United Way. “It’s critical to understand that, behind these investment numbers, there are tens of thousands of people who are helped— people whose lives have had positive, lasting changes because we, and our donors, address our community’s most pressing needs.”

Funding highlights are as follows:

• $8.6 million will be invested into Student Readiness and Success programs to give kids a head start on school, and give them the tools they need to stay the course and graduate from high school.
• $5.9 million will be invested in programs that help Strengthen People and Families. Programs in this donor interest area give people long-term strategies to either stay, or become, self-sufficient. Funding goes to help stabilize neighborhoods, keep seniors independent, and help people with disabilities reach their full potential.
• Nearly $2.8 million will be invested into programs that Support People in Crisis. When an unexpected crisis strikes, these programs provide a safety net to ensure people have food, clothing, and shelter in times of need. They set the foundation for helping them get back on their feet again.

To view the complete list of funded programs and investments, please visit www.uwrochester.org and click on the For Service Providers page.

For more information on how your gift is put to work every day of the year, visit www.uwrochester.org.



United Way’s mission is to magnify and focus the power of community resources to address our most pressing social needs.