UNITED WAY OF SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA
Non-Profit Spotlight
driven community impact. This approach strengthened our effectiveness and
How can the community become involved in the important work United Way of Southeast Minnesota does? There are many ways to
continues to ensure our work has the greatest local impact. In the past few years, we've also implemented new grantmaking strategies, including a participatory grantmaking process and
2024 United Way BIPOC Community Involvement Event
get involved with United Way! Give, advocate and volunteer. Anyone can participate in their Workplace Giving Campaign or start one at their workplace. The
funding for culturally specific organizations.
Please share a highlight of how
your organization has impacted the region. United Way builds a
Campaign is the most prominent United Way fundraising effort – in 2024 alone, United Way Campaigns raised nearly $2 million.
resilient Southeast Minnesota by addressing urgent needs while also affecting long-term change. To address urgent needs,
our 211 resource and information line is a lifeline during times of crisis. Anyone
We also invite community members to make a gift at www.uwsemn.org/donate and to find volunteer opportunities through our Get Connected volunteer portal at www.volunteer.uwsemn.org. Every dollar and every minute counts when it comes to supporting our neighbors. What’s an interesting fact about United Way of Southeast Minnesota that most people don’t know? While United Way is a global network, United Way of Southeast Minnesota is entirely independent with our own local leadership. Our fully autonomous Board and organizational leadership are based in our region and have deep roots within our communities. We know our area best, and we have the flexibility to take the actions that will have the greatest impact for our neighbors.
in our community can dial 211 at any time of day to speak with a specialist who has access to the most comprehensive database of information to help with anything from utilities payments to childcare to food. In 2024 alone, United Way’s 211 responded to over 5,000 calls in our region. To affect long-term change, we strive to build solutions to the most challenging issues facing our community. As inflation affects all Southeast Minnesotans, we recently released an ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report that highlights the 33% of local households that are unable to meet their basic needs. ALICE households represent the growing number of families unable to afford basics such as housing, childcare, food, and transportation, but make too much to qualify for many public benefits. By highlighting the challenges these households face, we aim to inspire additional action and generate innovative solutions that promote financial security across our region. Recognition and awareness are the first steps to improving.
APRIL 2025 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 13
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