Granite United Way Volunteers Announce Investments for 2018
Granite United Way’s annual campaign mobilizes more than 20,000 donors and corporate supporters to raise more than $8.8 million across the state of New Hampshire and Windsor County, Vermont.
The campaign benefits more than 750 nonprofit agencies and programs providing services to more than 350,000 individuals. Volunteers are mobilized from each local region in its footprint to review and vet proposals and make funding decisions based upon strict criteria that ensures investments are held to the highest standards and are producing the greatest, most cost-efficient impact. In addition to the volunteer-led grant investment process and donor designation program, initiatives like Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), the 211 NH information & referral line and FamilyWize, a prescription drug discount program, and administering 3 public health networks deliver a combined total of nearly $14 million in support to residents across New Hampshire.
Local volunteers on Granite United Way’s 6 Community Impact Committees dedicated the last few months to evaluating program proposals and determining their local investment decisions. Together the volunteer Board of Directors and the Community Impact Committees announced that the 2017 Campaign would deliver nearly $14 Million in support during 2018.
"Our local volunteers dedicated thousands of hours to the process of reviewing and selecting each of our investments," said Patrick Tufts, President and CEO of Granite United Way. "Each team was impressed with the quality of programs and we are fortunate to partner with exceptional partners that are helping our community learn, earn and be healthy."
“Granite United Way continues to hit annual fundraising goals through corporate and individual contributions which allow us to make substantial investments in our communities. Our donors know thousands of volunteer hours go into ensuring the best programs are supported and engaged to work collaboratively to address challenges. Raising $8.8 Million dollars locally and investing locally makes a substantial and measurable impact," said Sean Owen, President of wedu and Talient Action Group, an Alexis de Tocqueville Society Member and Chair of Granite United Way’s Board of Directors.
Local Community Impact Committee members donated thousands of hours to the review and funding process.
"After careful consideration and thorough deliberation, the Community Review Committee is pleased to support Granite United Way’s funding of local organizations for the upcoming funding cycle. We look forward to the positive results of these supported organizations and thank them for continuing to offer the wonderful care, services, and programs that have made them stand out during the application process." Jo Brooks, Chair of the Community Review Team in Merrimack County.
“We are proud to partner with Granite United Way in strengthening our community,” said Peter Christnacht, Executive Director of Copper Cannon Camp in the North Country. “As a member of both the Campaign Cabinet and the Community Impact Committee I see first-hand the dedication our volunteers show each year to raise funds and distribute them across our community.”
Agencies across New Hampshire will leverage United Way funding to offer community solutions.
“The Family Resource Center of Central NH is so thankful for the continued support from Granite United Way. Our mission is to strengthen families and communities by enhancing social connections, utilizing family support principles and protective factors. The funding from Granite United Way is critical to our ability to provide these supports to the children and families.” Erin Pettengill, Director of the Family Resource Center of Central NH.
“The Boys & Girls Club of Manchester continues to evolve our programming to meet the needs of our families. Some examples of this include our weekend food pantry managed by our teens, and our dental clinics that give working families access to quality dental care,” said Diane Fitzpatrick, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester. “It takes all of us to strengthen our community, and we are proud to partner with Granite United Way in this effort.”
“Willing Hands is proud to be a Granite United Way recipient agency. The support we receive allows Willing Hands to recover over 500,000 pounds of fresh perishable food and make weekly deliveries to over 4,500 people.” said Gabe Zoerheide, Executive Director at Willing Hands.
Supporters of Granite United Way are proud to be working together in the community.
“As a Loyal Contributor and Granite United Way Board Member, it is inspiring to see our community come together to tackle large scale issues,” said Larry Major, Government Affairs Manager at Pike Industries. “No one organization can solve the issues we’re facing, and together we will be able to improve lives in our community.”
“Granite United Way plays an important role across the state and in the Northern Region, working with our local nonprofits and volunteers to ensure that needs are being met,” said Lori Langlois, Executive Director of North Country Education Services and a Granite United Way Board Member. “We know that working together we can address many of the issues that affect our friends and neighbors.”
Funded programs are featured here.
Each of Granite United Way's six local region investment press releases can be found below.