The Heart of Illinois United Way has proven time and again that we are built to support central Illinois in times like these. Through our Community Impact Fund, we are able to adapt to changing needs while providing a solid foundation of services year-round.
Each year, hundreds of local companies and organizations participate in our annual campaign. In 2022, there were eight new corporate gifts and 15 new employee campaigns; 19 corporate gifts increased by 10% or more and 36 organizations increased donations by 10% or more. Additionally, 12 of our 42 partner agencies increased their employee campaigns by 5% or more. In total, the 2022 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign raised $9,003,424.
“To raise more than $9 million over the past year in a community the size of central Illinois is an incredible achievement. The Heart of Illinois United Way does not do this work alone. For a century, teams of nonprofits, volunteers, and donors have generously worked together to create sustainable impact on the education, financial stability, and health needs of central Illinois,” Dr. Keith Knepp, President of UnityPoint Health-Central Illinois and 2022 Campaign Chair, said.
Annually, the Campaign Achievement and Best-in-Class Awards are one way the Heart of Illinois United Way recognizes local companies who improve their campaigns. Vestolit received the Campaign Achievement Award for the largest percentage increase in employee participation; and IBEW Local #34 received the Best-in-Class Award for continued campaign excellence from year to year.
“As the Heart of Illinois United Way celebrated a century of community impact this past year, we continued our mission to help the people of central Illinois care for one another. Just as our first campaign brought our community together for a common cause in January 1922, our impact across sectors ensures we effectively stretch every dollar to make real change. An investment in our work is the best combination of using our hearts and trusting data to help the community we call home,” Jennifer Zammuto, President, said.
The Heart of Illinois United Way constantly evaluates data and collaborates with community partners to ensure personal and corporate donations to our Community Impact Fund address the greatest needs while providing a reliable and steady source of income for our partner agencies. Through the community’s generosity, the Heart of Illinois United Way ensures people in central Illinois have continued access to education, financial stability, and health programs.