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United Way of Southwest Alabama / Uncategorized  / United Way’s Annual Report and Leaders in Giving

United Way’s Annual Report and Leaders in Giving

2013 was a year of focused growth.

As many of you know, in August 2010, the United Way of Southwest Alabama Board of
Trustees approved “The Building Blocks for a Better Community,” which focus on
education, health, financial stability, and essentials. This new community impact model was designed to enhance accountability and transparency while proactively targeting and addressing important human service issues facing our region.

In 2013, UWSWA began funding only partner agency programs within the four Building Blocks and those programs had to have a demonstrable, positive community impact. In April 2013, we announced funding to be invested in 78 programs, run by 48 partner
agencies, for 2014 and 2015.

Individuals and businesses throughout southwest Alabama embraced the new community
impact process. As support for the focus on the Building Blocks grew, so did the 2013
campaign, which raised $5,003,272. This is a 5.2 percent increase over the previous year’s successful campaign of $4,755,963.

Internally, UWSWA embraced several changes in order to increase the organization’s
efficiency and effectiveness. First, UWSWA finished the merger process with HandsOn South Alabama, leading it toward becoming the United Way HandsOn program, and
increasing volunteerism throughout southwest Alabama.

Secondly, under the guidance of the Strategic Planning Committee, UWSWA restructured its staff, while simultaneously lowering the administration and fundraising rate to 9.95%. This is the lowest rate for UWSWA in decades and means that more than 90 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to a program or service.

As we look to the year ahead, UWSWA recognizes that there are still areas of improvement and needs in our community. We will continue to focus on the priorities within our
community impact process. By maintaining our concentration in the areas of education, health, financial stability, and essentials, and by investing in programs and services that make positive impacts, we can consistently improve the lives of thousands of people throughout our community.

This annual report to the community presents the combined accomplishments of UWSWA and your efforts over the course of the past year. Thanks to your enduring support of UWSWA, over $10 million was given back to our community in funds and services last year. UWSWA greatly appreciates your assistance in facilitating change, creating opportunities for a better life for all, enhancing our community, and helping us all LIVE UNITED!

Allen H. Ladd
2013 Chairman of the Board
Vice President, Thames Batre’

Alan H. Turner II
President & CEO
United Way of Southwest Alabama

 

Read more by visitingUWSWA 2013 Annual Report