Mary Fanning-Penny
President & CEO
United Way Blackhawk Region
2022 marks the 10th anniversary of the unification of the former Stateline United Way and United Way of North Rock County, resulting in United Way Blackhawk Region.
As you may recall, motivation for the unification was to enhance stewardship and deliver greater results for the community’s investment. Our volunteer leaders understood that United Way needed to be more strategic and deliberate in how we work. Uniting the two Rock County organizations lowered costs and improved operational efficiency, resulting in more dollars for programs that improve lives and strengthen communities. Reorganization had been encouraged by many of our corporate donors, supported by both board of directors, and endorsed by United Way Worldwide. This move strengthened our role as the leading community impact organization in the region.
Distribution of funds remained as it always had been – local volunteers serving as responsible stewards, determining the best use of donors’ dollars based on community need. No longer a pass-through organization, beginning in 2015, we intensified our commitment to accountability by requiring measurable outcomes, evidence-based service delivery models, and routine reporting.
As we reflect on the past ten years, we take pride in our role as problem solvers, hand raisers, and game changers – and we’ve had some big wins. We have worked hard to identify every donor and dollar possible to move the needle on tough-to-solve issues. We have come up with new solutions to old problems and continue to work with people from all walks of life to turn solutions into action.
We invite you, our loyal supporters and community partners, to join us in efforts to welcome new audiences and donors to United Way. Nurturing long-standing partnerships and cultivating new relationships helps us effectively meet the complex and evolving needs of our beautifully diverse region.
For the remainder of the year, look forward to United Way Blackhawk Region touting ten years of community engagement and impact, celebrating with Day of Caring and special events, and the launch of a 10th anniversary “Give & Win” sweepstakes. The sweepstakes will feature attractive prizes generously donated by local businesses, at varying pledge levels to the annual Community Campaign (stay tuned for details in the not too distant future). To further commemorate this milestone, we are pleased to unveil a special logo which symbolizes the spirit and success of the unification: UNITED, we are stronger.