United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County on Tuesday revealed a $60 million goal for its community campaign – the first campaign the organization will embark upon since it merged two United Way branches earlier this year.
The goal was announced during a campaign kickoff event held at the Milwaukee County Zoo.
The organization’s 2015 campaign will run through Dec. 15 and will add to its support of more than 220 programs managed by more than 110 partner agencies throughout Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee counties. United Way’s core focus areas include education, income and health – what the nonprofit refers to as “the building blocks for a good quality life.”
“We believe the merger of the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and United Way in Waukesha County will help us to better address challenges facing our communities that do not recognize city boundaries or county lines,” Mary Lou Young, president and chief executive officer of United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, said in a statement. “People throughout the region rely on United Way services and our team is poised to offer the maximum level of customer service and increased efficiencies.”
The 2015 campaign will be chaired by four area executives – Cory Nettles, partner at Milwaukee-based Quarles & Brady LLP; Suzanne Kelley, president of the Waukesha County Business Alliance; Cathy Jacobson, president and CEO of Froedtert Health; and Alex Molinaroli, chairman, president and CEO of Glendale-based Johnson Controls, Inc.
As in past years, funds will be generated through community fundraising, workplace giving campaigns, corporate donations and grants.
The organization will also operate a Community Impact Fund within the campaign. Donors can indicate that they would like their dollars to flow into the fund, which backs programs that are proven effective, address current community needs and are financially sustainable, according to Rebecca Schimke, communications specialist of the nonprofit.
United Way of Greater Milwaukee merged with United Way in Waukesha County in February after announcing their plans to become one last December, largely for efficiency purposes. The organizations completed separate campaigns last year and allocated their dollars independent of one another.
While United Way of Greater Milwaukee raised more than $54 million, the Waukesha County chapter pulled in $4.3 million.
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County plans to announce its 2015 fundraising total during a December celebration hosted by Johnson Controls.
