Each year, vital health and human care programs supported by the Heart of Illinois United Way’s Community Impact Fund positively impact the lives of 1-in-3 people in central Illinois.
Through the Community Impact Fund, the Heart of Illinois United Way collaborates with health and human care agencies, schools, businesses, labor organizations and local government to ensure the fundamentals of education, financial stability and health are available from birth through retirement.
Last year, more than 300 local companies and organizations participated in the Heart of Illinois United Way’s annual campaign. With the support of the local businesses, labor organizations, nonprofit organizations and individuals, the 2019 campaign included 13 new corporate gifts, 29 new employee campaigns, and 54 organizations that increased their donations by 10 percent or more. Investments in the Heart of Illinois United Way’s 2019 Campaign totaled $10,077,577.
“Just like when we depend on a broker for expertise in navigating the stock market, the Heart of Illinois United Way is constantly evaluating data and collaborating with community partners to ensure personal and corporate donations to the United Way have the greatest return on investment. Collectively, our current fund allocation volunteers represent more than 500 years of experience determining the best return on investment for United Way contributions,” Jennifer Zammuto, President, said.
As the largest non-governmental funder of health and human care programs in central Illinois, Heart of Illinois United Way funded programs result in measurable, positive change in central Illinois. Donations to the Community Impact Fund result in more than 80 percent of youth in our education programs improve school readiness and go on to achieve academic success; more than 85 percent of low-income individuals, families, seniors and persons with developmental disabilities are able to live independently in affordable homes; and more than 85 percent of adults and youth improve their overall physical and mental health.
“We want to thank our amazing volunteers and donors. Without them we could not invest in, nor support, the critical needs of our community through our grant allocation process. We sincerely appreciate the generosity and support of central Illinois,” Zammuto added.
Fortress Bank, L-R Jennifer Zammuto, Ken Mauser, Nick Esser, Brooke Spellman and Patrick Urich
Salvation Army, L-R Patrick Urich, Tom Fulop, Brooke Spellman and Jennifer Zammuto
Since 2012, the Heart of Illinois United Way has presented two campaign awards, the Best in Class Award and Campaign Achievement Award, to recognize outstanding workplace campaigns. The Best in Class Award is based on employee participation in the workplace campaign, per capita giving and overall percent increase in contributions. This award recognizes a local organization who continuously demonstrates campaign excellence from year to year. The 2019 Best in Class Award winner is Fortress Bank. The Campaign Achievement Award recognizes a campaign that had the largest percentage increase in employee participation. This year’s Campaign Achievement Award winner is The Salvation Army.
The 2020 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign will be chaired by Seth Davis (RLI) and Sylvia Davis.
Contributions to the Heart of Illinois United Way stay in central Illinois supporting vital health and human care programs throughout Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Stark, Marshall and Putnam counties.
“Most importantly, we need to remember at the end of all of our fundraising efforts are real people, living in challenging situations, that need the support of our partner agencies and schools to positively change their lives,” Zammuto said.