Businesses and individuals who donate each year to the United Way might wonder what will be the effect of the recently announced merger of the United Ways of Battle Creek and Kalamazoo.
The idea is the sum is greater than the parts and by merging the two organizations both communities are better served as they share resources in fundraising, marketing and administration among others. It will have a greater ability to address community needs that are common across the region.
Community campaigns in Greater Battle Creek and Greater Kalamazoo will look much as they have in the past. And individual donors who want their gifts to remain local will see those requests honored.
Civic leaders, local volunteers and representatives from both United Way boards in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek worked together for nearly three years to bring about the merger. No staff reductions are anticipated and if projections regarding the new organization are realized staff could be increased to meet rising community needs.
Before the merger, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo raised about $6 million and $9 million, respectively, in 2010 donations. Both organizations rank among the top 10 nationally in per capita giving for similar-sized United Ways. Without a merger, analysts projected annual declines in the respective campaigns at a time when need in both communities has been rising.
Over the past 10 years, the two organizations have experienced a decrease in the overall number of donors as major employers have reduced the size of the region’s workforce. The task force concluded a merger is necessary as the regional workforce has changed to include an increasing number of retirees, small businesses and entrepreneurs
Mike Larson, currently president & CEO of GKUW, will become the president and chief executive officer; and Chris Sargent, currently president and CPO of UWGBC, will become the new agency’s vice president and chief operating officer.
The merger makes the new organization the state’s second-largest United Way agency, behind United Way of Southeast Michigan that serves Detroit and Wayne County.
"Today’s donors have different expectations," UWGBC Board Chair Linda Miller says. "They demand more accountability, transparency, and visible results from the charities they support. We’ve heard their message loud and clear."
Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave
Source: Chris Riker, Greater Kalamazoo United Way
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