United Way falls $3 million short of goal

Local nonprofits funded by the United Way will likely see cuts as the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg raised $17 million -- $3 million short of its 2008 campaign goal.

The specific impact on the 50 nonprofit agencies that receive funding has yet to be determined, said Sherrie Brach, chief executive officer of the organization.

"Not everyone will experience the same cut; it will be based on priorities. In general, the pool is down . . . and funding decisions will be made in May," she said.

The bulk of the $17 million raised -- 68 percent -- came from individual donors.

"There has been tremendous support. The dollars are down but I still feel good and grateful for the contributions people gave," Brach said.

The 2008 campaign started Sept. 5 and was supposed to end mid-December. But it was extended informally for a few weeks, Brach said.

The United Way raised $20 million during its 2007 campaign. The last campaign that fell short was after Sept. 11, 2001, "when we had that downturn in the economy," Brach said.

"We will really stay true to accountability and measurable outcomes," Brach said. "For me, measurable outcomes that are demonstrating impact will continue to be critical when less resources are available."

United Way invests in programs and initiatives in three focus areas: education, income and health. It serves residents in Colonial Heights, Petersburg and Richmond, and in the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan and Prince George.

Possible cutbacks haven't caught nonprofits by surprise. "We all, much like the nation, knew this was a tough financial year," said Sandy Milliken, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, where 15 percent of the budget comes from United Way.

"United Way did a good job of making us aware of what they were seeing in trends in giving, so that's been helpful in our planning."

Volunteers are the heart of the organization, but it costs $1,000 in training and follow-up measures every time a match is made between an adult mentor and child, Milliken said.

"When I lose $1,000, I lose another opportunity to match another child."

United Way funds 10 percent of the Salvation Army's budget, said Mike Joyce, operations program administrator.

"We know the economic situation is impacting everyone, so United Way being down is not surprising. But . . . our demands for services continue to increase," Joyce said.

"We hope the community will step forward and help us in light of the United Way being down $3 million."

Contact Robin Farmer at (804) 649-6312 or .