Heart of Illinois United Way donors contributed to another record-breaking campaign in 2014… raising more than $11.368 million to address health and human care needs throughout central Illinois.
Each year, more than 300 local companies and organizations participate in the annual campaign. In 2014, the campaign increased its base of support with 18 new corporate gifts, 10 new employee campaigns and 67 organizations that increased their contributions by 10 percent or more. These new dollars were also supported by the annual Challenge Grant, sponsored by Caterpillar, CEFCU, Federal Companies and UnityPoint Health – Methodist | Proctor, which once again provided $280,000 to match new or increased contributions.
Because of the generosity, compassion and support of thousands of people in the Peoria region, the Heart of Illinois United Way’s annual campaign continues to achieve unprecedented growth. Over the last five years, United Way campaigns in other central Illinois communities such as Bloomington, Champaign, Decatur and Springfield have each raised from $2 million to $4 million annually. The Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign has increased 5.2 percent over 2013, 32 percent over the last five years and 83 percent over the last ten years—a result of the hard work and effort put forth by all of our volunteers, as well as the unwavering support of donors.
Providing a reliable and steady source of income for our 45 partner agencies, the Heart of Illinois United Way continues to be the largest non-governmental funder of health and human care services in our community. In addition, our campaign growth illustrates a level of financial stability for the area that can be used as a tool for economic development. A committed group of donors demonstrates a civic-minded employee base, corporate sponsorship highlights the philanthropic work of local businesses, and overall quality of life is improved when the community has access to vital health and human care services.
Heart of Illinois United Way-funded programs help more than 100,000 people each year throughout Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark and Putnam counties. By identifying and supporting positive outcomes that provide donors with tangible results relative to their charitable investment, our United Way is able to strengthen the education, income and health of our community. We all know that a quality education leads to employment, a stable job provides income to support a family through retirement, and access to quality healthcare affects us at all stages of life.
Since 1921, the Heart of Illinois United Way has been bringing together people from business, labor, government, and health and human care services to ensure central Illinois is a strong, safe and healthy community. Thank you for being a part of what it means to “live united.” iBi
