United Way campaign closes at $4.1M

The nonprofit United Way of Bartholomew County campaign, hampered still by some presentations limited to Zoom, has finished at $4.17 million — about $300,000 short of its goal, but still leading the state in per-capita giving and finishing in the nation’s top 10 percent in that category.

Mark Stewart, United Way president, acknowledged mixed feelings about the figure because the shortfall means about a 10 percent trim in allocations to 15 United Way agencies operating 32 programs. Plus, because of donor-designated giving, United Way money also will go to about 90 other agencies, including those beyond Bartholomew County.

Leaders are still tabulating what percentage of money that will remain in Bartholomew County.

Because other, separate support covers elements such as United Way operating expenses and salaries, all donations go to the cause. And the local United Way still boasts the highest rating of accountability from agencies such as Charity Navigator.

The United Way will highlight the campaign’s bright spots at a public meeting at 4 p.m. June 20 at The Commons in downtown Columbus.

On the other side of Stewart’s disappointment in the campaign figure is gratitude.

“We’re still all very fortunate to live in a very generous community,” Stewart said. “We, of course, are experiencing some challenges. But the entire United Way network relies heavily on in-person presentations (for impact). So all United Ways nationwide are experiencing this.”

All through the pandemic, Stewart has extended praise and thanks to volunteers and staff who have worked hard to present, often remotely, the story of United Way’s work — an effort that reaches about one-third of Bartholomew County’s estimated 82,000 residents. He always has said that in-person presentations, including those including some of the very people most affected by help, reach prospective donors the best.

But some firms reported that their charitable reach expanded. For example, United Way board member Rick Silvers, president and chief executive officer at Centra Credit Union, reported that his company set a record with 70 percent of employees participating in the United Way campaign. That goal was met with a promised reward — employees giving Silvers a pie in the face at a Centra gathering.

Silvers, who serves on the United Way board, like Stewart, took a dual approach to assessing the campaign total.

“Clearly, there will be some impact felt in the community,” Silvers said. “But, nonetheless, amid a very challenging economy, I believe that the community has stepped up. That’s one of the exciting things about living here in Columbus, Indiana.”

Amid the campaign discussion, Stewart cites statistics showing that financial giving in general in the United States is down compared to 20 years ago, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy. That organization’s figures show that everything from charitable campaigns to houses of worship are relying on fewer, more affluent donors to make ends meet because fewer people are donating to charity at all.

Stewart also mentioned that the local United Way is seeing another dip as well — fewer consistent volunteers throughout the year and not just on its big Day of Caring and Day of Service.

Campaign celebration