A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Over 10 years ago, local United Way leaders recognized the need to save for a “rainy day.” Establishing the United Way Foundation, they provided the means for the United Way and its affiliated agencies to plan for and weather the uncertainties that the future often brings. This future is squarely upon us today in these unsettling economic times.

While 2009 has not been without challenges, the Board of Trustees of the Foundation can be proud that its work has resulted in another year of accomplishments for the Foundation and ultimately for this community. The Board focused on three primary areas of attention this year:

1.  The Agency Affiliates. Continuing the good work that was begun in the past, relationships with the 50 agency affiliates have been strengthened by regular visits to the agencies by members of the Board of Trustees as well as reports at our meetings by agency directors and volunteers. This practice has proven to be successful in facilitating communication and building relationships while attaining insight into the agencies’ long term goals. We plan to continue this practice in 2010. We also continued the annual investment review breakfast for the agency affiliates; this was sponsored this year by Wells Fargo. And, we celebrated our fifth annual global economic forecast presented by Signature Financial Management and sponsored by TowneBank. Under the leadership of Monty Knight, Vice Chair of the Board, the Professional Advisory Committee adopted a new business model and serves as a resource for agency affiliates and donors as we move forward in gift creation and acceptance.

2.  Growing the Foundation. While maintaining constant focus on safeguarding and growing the investments of the Foundation, we are developing a strategy to grow the Foundation through increased giving. The Investment Committee, under the leadership of its chair, Bill Eisenbeiss, reported growth last year of 24.23%, a very respectable rate in these rowdy economic times. Although the current economic environment may be a bit gloomy, personal wealth will improve and we are laying the ground work for new donations to the Foundation. During 2009, 39 gifts and additions were received and grants and distributions totaling $254,673 were made. Grants were made to five agencies with key programs serving those persons most severely impacted by the economic downturn. Additionally, two new funds were established and two contributors indicated their desire to include United Way in their estate plans.

3.  Assessment. A committee has been studying other United Way foundations and similar organizations to evaluate our program and develop program benchmarks. In addition, we expect to launch a new project this year entitled the READY Response Fund that will provide a much needed resource in disasters and emergencies to assist in fulfilling service needs which cannot be addressed by established first responders. Achieving our mission and addressing critical and emerging community needs requires creative strategies and innovative solutions.

We look to forward to continuing our work with the United Way and all its constituencies to advance the common good and to create opportunities for all. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I thank you for your support and encourage you to remember the United Way Foundation and its agency affiliates in your estate plan—please let your legacy support the health and welfare of this community and inspire others to do the same.

Sincerely,

Anita Owings Poston
Chair, Board of Trustees
United Way Foundation