United Way remodels itself (HK Community Chest to Learn?)

When will the HK Community Chest fundamentally revitalize its missions and operations?

United Way is transforming in an effort to remain vibrant and relevant in communities where other non-profits have multiplied, and where many businesses have opted out of United Way planned giving programmes. A spokesman for the organization estimated that 80 per cent of the country’s 1,400 United Way groups are increasingly targeting funds to effect long-term change rather than short-term ‘fixes’. This means that United Way is now more likely to fund groups that expand access to affordable housing than a homeless shelter. The national agency is also stressing United Way’s role as a community leader, collaborating with other organizations to prioritize a community's needs. In 2003, United Way of America approved tighter standards for transparency and accountability, now being adopted by member organizations. The changes are in part a response to a national decline in United Way campaign earnings of 6.1 per cent between 2001 and 2002.

(Source: Alliance Bulletin October 2004)