United Way lowers its fundraising expectations

The Utica OD reported that a down economy might lead the United Way to set less lofty fundraising goals this year. But organizers say they’re still committed to raising as much as possible to assist nonprofits in Oneida and Herkimer counties.

Each year, the United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area engages a group of local businesses in its Pacesetter Campaign, a month-long prelude to the general fundraising campaign meant to jump-start donations and raise public awareness.

But the 2009 Pacesetter Campaign goal of $360,000 announced at a kick-off event Tuesday is well below the $616,500 target for last year.

Organizers said it’s not exactly an even comparison – only 14 organizations are participating this year, and 19 were involved last year. But some organizers also had concerns about how much people are prepared to give. Read more here.

Is your nonprofit looking at further cutbacks in 2010? How do you plan to respond? Share your feedback here.