United Way of Cascade County announced it will invest $1,107,127 in the coming fiscal year to advance community goals in education, financial security and health, supporting programs and initiatives that strengthen lives across Cascade County.
Thanks to the generosity of donors during last fall’s campaign, United Way-funded programs are expected to help 32,683 people in the coming year. Through its broader community impact work, the organization’s efforts touch the lives of everyone living in Cascade County.
The investment includes $477,056 dedicated to community initiatives, including efforts to address homelessness, prevent child abuse, improve educational outcomes and manage the federally funded Retired Senior Volunteer Program.
In addition, donors designated $145,071 from the campaign to more than 100 nonprofit organizations of their choosing.
A volunteer committee determines how undesignated donations are invested, focusing on programs that align with United Way’s goals of helping children achieve their potential and graduate on time, promoting financial stability and independence, and improving health outcomes.
This year, a team of 40 community volunteers spent dozens of hours reviewing grant applications, examining outcomes and hearing presentations from nonprofit leaders before allocating $485,000 to support 27 nonprofit programs.
The decisions came amid growing demand for services throughout Cascade County. Local nonprofits requested more than $1.1 million in funding from United Way, citing rising operating costs, increased demand for assistance and the loss or reduction of state, federal and foundation funding sources.
“We want to thank our donors, volunteers and community partners whose generosity makes this work possible,” said United Way of Cascade County CEO Lacey Hallett. “Because of that support, thousands of local people will have access to the resources, opportunities and services they need to build better futures.”
United Way’s investments for the coming year include funding for new programs that provide wraparound support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, recovery services for people overcoming addiction and peer-support groups for parents of children with disabilities.
Throughout the grant review process, volunteers heard firsthand stories illustrating the impact of United Way-funded programs. They learned about an individual who achieved the dream of homeownership, students experiencing homelessness who found a safe place to study, do laundry and enjoy a warm meal, and a veteran working to overcome trauma and addiction.
“The need in our community continues to grow,” Hallett said. “Many nonprofits are serving more people than ever before while facing higher costs and shrinking funding opportunities from state, federal and foundation sources. The number of requests we received reflects those challenges. While we cannot meet every need, these investments will help ensure critical services remain available and that local organizations can continue changing lives every day.”
In addition to the workplace campaign, people may give by sending contributions directly to United Way at PO Box 1343, Great Falls, MT 59403, or donating online at www.uwccmt.org.
Broken down into United Way’s focus areas of youth opportunity, financial security and healthy communities, here are the 27 programs that are funded this year:
Youth Opportunity -- $85,500
- Big Brothers Big Sisters -- $11,500
- Boys & Girls Club -- $10,000
- Foster Grandparents -- $8,000
- Kairos Youth Services -- $21,500
- Montana United Indian Association -- $7,000
- Peace Place Connect & Grow preschool program - $21,500
- Young Parents Education Center -- $6,000
Financial Security -- $192,000
- Alliance for Youth (youth resource center) – $27,000
- Cascade County Law Clinic -- $15,000
- Family Promise -- $16,000
- Great Falls Children’s Receiving Home -- $12,000
- NeighborWorks Great Falls (matched savings for new homeowners, Baatz Block) -- $25,500
- Opportunities, Inc. (housing)-- $34,000
- St. Vincent de Paul (homeless outreach, food pantry) -- $62,500
Healthy Communities -- $207,500
- Adult Treatment Court – $20,000
- Alliance for Youth (Sober Life) -- $30,000
- CASA-CAN -- $14,000
- Dynamic Recovery (drop-in center) -- $9,000
- Get Fit Great Falls (Park Pals) -- $10,500
- Great Falls Senior Center -- $7,000
- Meals on Wheels -- $25,000
- Peace Place Respite Care -- $20,000
- St. Vincent de Paul (community kitchen) -- $20,000
- Veteran’s Treatment Court -- $26,000
- Voices of Hope (crisis line) -- $26,000