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United Way expects to collect 96 percent of goal

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Gail A. Graham

JANESVILLE — Leaders of United Way of North Rock County project the 2009 fundraising campaign will raise 96 percent of the $1.35 million goal.

To date, 86 percent—or $1.160 million dollars—has been raised, said John Pearse, board treasurer.

Even though the campaign is likely to fall $50,000 short, Pearse said it would not cause cuts in funding allocations.

That includes grants of nearly $722,000 to 62 programs and 30 agencies in 2010 and again in 2011.

What will change, however, is the amount of money kept by the United Way each of the next two years to support programs it operates and cover overhead expenses.

Instead of receiving a total of $487,389, as reported Nov. 18, United Way will receive $480,217. Here’s the projected break down:

-- Administration and other support services: $203,676, down $14,037 from 2009.

-- Community impact and fund distribution: $170,505, down $7,552 from 2009.

-- First Call: $55,489, down $9,086 from 2009.

-- Volunteer Network, $50,547, down $2,904 from 2009.

“United Way’s budget over the last number of years has been reduced,” Pearse said.

That was confirmed by a Gazette review of United Way tax forms and budget numbers.

Gail Graham, president of United Way of North Rock County, invited anyone with questions or concerns to call her.

“My door is always open,” she said. “It is everyone’s job in our office, and mine especially, to account for every donor dollar that we receive and to ensure that we invest those dollars wisely.”