We are so grateful for our caring and generous community for its longstanding support of United Way of the Columbia Gorge. Since 2006, United Way of the Columbia Gorge has been a part of the puzzle that has helped improve thousands of lives in our community by funding a diverse group of local programs that serve basic human needs and foster healthy independence.
When you give to the United Way, your contribution supports the entire community serving many age groups and demographics. Here’s how it works: local non-profit organizations throughout the Gorge need financial support beyond their own annual fundraising efforts to keep their programs running and provide children and adults the services they desperately need. Each year, any non-profit human service program from Hood River, Klickitat, Sherman, Skamania and Wasco Counties with a two year operating history is welcome to apply for United Way funding. Applicants undergo a rigorous screening and interview process to demonstrate how their program will directly help people living in the Gorge. A team of volunteer Gorge residents representing the five counties selects funding recipients based on stringent standards in governance, ethics, financial management and efficient/effective program operations. Each funded program must also provide detailed reporting on how funding was used with outcome results. Since our inception in 2006, we have invested over $2.5 million into our Gorge community. During the 2022-23 funding cycle, United Way of the Columbia Gorge allocated over $200,000 to 27 local organizations.
With over 50 volunteers throughout the Gorge, the money we allocate to local agencies is all raised by local people, neighbors helping neighbors. This is an amazing gift from our generous community.
On behalf of the United Way of the Columbia Gorge board of directors, volunteers and staff, THANK YOU! If you didn’t have a chance to get involved with United Way last year, we invite you to join us to make a difference this year. We welcome you to attend our upcoming fundraising events including The Boots and Bowties Gala and Auction on October 7th and The Aaron Meyer Holiday Concert on December 10th.
Visit www.unitedwayofthecolumbiagorge.org for more information on the events and how you can help your community through United Way.
Caroline Grew
Executive Director
THANK YOU FOR LIVING UNITED