United Way receives IBM TrailBlazing Grant

IBM has awarded the United Way of Greater Milwaukee one of its first IBM Trailblazer Grants to strengthen early childhood education programs in the local community. 
“United Way is grateful IBM recognizes the ‘business’ of nonprofits,” said Mary Lou Young, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Milwaukee.  “Current health and human service needs demand agencies to serve more people in spite of their own diminishing resources.  IBM’s support and expertise will help United Way’s partner agencies be even more efficient and effective.”
The grant will provide project management education, consulting expertise and technology tools to nine United Way partner agencies devoted to early childhood learning. The company’s Trailblazer Grants are designed to help local non-profits reach farther into their communities, better connect with populations in need, and meet the increasing challenges of doing more with less.
“In difficult times like these when resources are scare, many of the charities that provide critical services to our community lack the human capital, business tools and skills to stay afloat,” said David Smith, IBM’s senior state executive for Wisconsin.  “IBM is getting in front of the problem, creating a new, innovative model for corporate giving.  This Trailblazer Grant will provide early childhood education programs funded by the United Way with vital competencies and the tools they need to improve their productivity and position themselves for future growth.”