The Peorian

Fri03292024

Last updateMon, 15 Jun 2020 10pm

Back You are here: Home News News Non-Profit United Way campaign achieved more growth in 2014

United Way campaign achieved more growth in 2014

united way logo
Log in to save this page.

 

Contributions totaling $11.37 million were raised in the Heart of Illinois United Way’s 2-14 campaign, a 5.2 percent increase over 2013 as the annual campaign continues to grow each year.

"Because of the generosity, compassion and support of the thousands of people in the Peoria region, the Heart of Illinois United Way's annual campaign continues to achieve unprecedented growth. By supporting the United Way, individuals and organizations know they are changing lives and making a positive impact in our community,” said Michael Stephan, HOIUW president.

Each year, more than 300 local companies and organizations participate in the annual campaign. In 2014, a $280,000 Challenge Grant, sponsored by Caterpillar, CEFCU, Federal Companies and UnityPoint Health – Methodist/Proctor, matched new or increased contributions expanding the Heart of Illinois United Way's base of support. For this past campaign, there were 18 new corporate gifts, 10 new employee campaigns, and 67 organizations increased their contributions to the United Way by 10 percent or more, the organization said in a news release.

Over the last five years, the campaign has increased 32 percent and over the last 10 years, 83 percent. “Achieving a 5.2 percent increase in 2014 is a result of the hard work and effort put forth by all of our volunteers, as well as the unwavering support of so many donors in our community who want to help others," Stephan said.

The Best in Class Award, which is based on employee participation in the workplace campaign, per capita giving and overall percent increase in contributions with a total maximum score of 300 points,  recognizes a local organization who continuously demonstrates campaign excellence from year to year. The 2014 Best in Class Award winner is Illinois Mutual.

The Campaign Achievement Award recognizes a campaign that had the largest percentage increase in employee participation from 2013 to 2014. The 2014 Campaign Achievement Award winner is Morton Unit School District #709 with a 267 percent increase in donor participation.

The Heart of Illinois United Way changes lives and improves our community by mobilizing people and resources to positively impact the areas of education, income and health for the people of central Illinois.

With 45 partner agencies, the Heart of Illinois United Way supports critical health and social service needs, helping more than 100,000 people each year throughout Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark and Putnam counties.

Every three years, the Heart of Illinois United Way partners with Bradley University to provide a comprehensive assessment of the education, income and health needs of the people of central Illinois. Data from the 2014 Community Assessment illustrates the continued need for Heart of Illinois United Way funded programs.

• In the Peoria region, there are 24 area school districts with more than one-third of its students in the low-income bracket - a 33 percent increase since 2010.

• 26.7 percent of schools in the Peoria region are at or below the state average for third-grade reading performance.           

• More than one-third of the Peoria region’s population is considered obese - far higher than the state average.            

• Poverty rates increased for all types of households in the Peoria region from 2009 to 2012. Poverty rates are higher in households with children under 18, and increasing among those over the age of 65.

Spring 2015 will be the first year of a new three-year grant cycle. Approximately 100 Heart of Illinois United Way volunteers will make funding decisions based upon how well the proposed grants address the critical needs identified in the 2014 Community Assessment.

The programs and initiatives supported by the Heart of Illinois United Way continually secure positive outcomes.

A few of highlights include:

Outcomes from Heart of Illinois United Way Funded Education-Related Programs

• 85 percent of children in the Success By 6 program significantly increased reading comprehension

• More than 90 percent of low-income K-4th grade students achieved grade-level success in reading and math

• Teens at risk of academic failure improved their reading skills by 84 percent and life skills by 96 percent

Outcomes from Heart of Illinois United Way Funded Income-Related Programs

• 83 percent of people with developmental disabilities were able to find employment and stay employed

• 75 percent of individuals and families in shelters are now in permanent, affordable housing

• 97 percent of seniors remained in their own homes because of home-delivered meals

Outcomes from Heart of Illinois United Way Funded Health-Related Programs

• Students improved their physical fitness by 70 percent and reduced future health risks

• 96 percent of blind or low-vision people improved their overall health and safety

• 91 percent of 3rd grade students improved their dental health habits