Local
Great Rivers United Way seeking Annual Campaign donations to support our community
Great Rivers United Way unites more than 200 corporate partners, 3,400+ donors, and 51 local programs, who fight for lasting change in our shared seven-county community.
Mid-West Family La Crosse has been a proud sponsor of Great Rivers United Way for as long as I can remember. Like lots of local businesses, many of our employees donate from every paycheck to its campaign to support our community.
The Great Rivers United Way (GRUW) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, serving seven counties in the Coulee Region. Last year, the organization impacted 32,000 people.
Its annual campaign is coming to an end Tuesday and it still needs our support to meet its goal.
Katie Sparks, GRUW development director, told Z93 they “support 27 nonprofits with grant allocations to keep their funding going throughout the year and we also have our own programs.”
GRUW has certified partners, so it works to raise funds for these organizations.
“We’re really working for the people in the community that are under the federal poverty limit, but also those that are working 40, 50, 60 hours a week, and maybe they don’t meet that threshold for benefits, but they’re not meeting their budget either,” Sparks added. “We’re here for anyone in our community who’s struggling, we’re just trying to better the community through many different issues.”
GRUW supports programs big and small in our communities.
Sparks told WIZM there are different kinds of nonprofits that get support.
“Those that you’ve heard of, Family and Children’s Center, Boys and Girls Clubs, Salvation Army, but then some of those you might not hear about enough. Mobile Meals, Independent Living Resources, The Parenting Place,” she said. “We really are connected to a lot of nonprofits.”
Campaign co-chair Andy Tempte added, “It’s the small ones that are making a big impact that really need this funding from the United Way. So, if you’re thinking about getting involved in philanthropy, United Way is such a fantastic way to do it because the impact is spread across the community.”
GRUW not only relies on individual donations to support its work, but local businesses, as well.
Tempte urged the community on Z93, “if you’re a leader listening to this, on your way to work or just waking up, think about running a campaign next year, get involved.”
If your business is interested in being a workplace campaign, reach out to GRUW for more information or individuals can make a one-time donation or recurring donation here.
