MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The United Way of Reno County is entering the final weeks of its annual fundraising campaign, with leaders expressing optimism as the organization works toward its $1.35 million goal before the Jan. 31 deadline.
Carla Stanfield, Director of Marketing and Communications for the United Way of Reno County, said the campaign is firmly in the “home stretch.” As of the most recent report, the organization had raised approximately $1.16 million, leaving about $200,000 to reach its target with less than a month remaining.
“Our goal is to raise $1.35 million this season to support the efforts of more than 20 organizations in our community,” Stanfield said. “We’re close, but it’s going to take every moment of January to get us over the finish line.”
Stanfield noted that campaigns often come down to the final days, despite strong community support. Having overseen four campaign seasons, she said it is typically late January before the outcome becomes clear. Still, she remains confident in the generosity of Reno County donors.
United Way’s long-standing message, “one gift, many lives changed,” reflects how donations are distributed. Rather than supporting a single cause, contributions are pooled and allocated across approximately 22 partner organizations and 38 programs serving an estimated 20,000 individuals each year. All funds raised locally remain in Reno County.
Stanfield emphasized that United Way’s funding decisions follow a rigorous, community-driven process. Each spring, a panel of local volunteers participates in a full-day allocations review. Funded organizations submit applications detailing their programs, budgets, and outcomes, then appear in person to present and answer questions. After reviewing the information, the panel determines how funds will be distributed.
“That vetting process gives donors confidence that their dollars are being spent as wisely as possible,” Stanfield said. “It’s not just about meeting immediate crisis needs, but also supporting long-term solutions.”
United Way organizes its work into four focus areas: youth opportunity, healthy community, community resiliency, and financial security. Youth opportunity includes programs such as Boys & Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Rise Up Reno, and childcare scholarships. Healthy community funding supports physical and mental health initiatives, including YMCA programs and Hospice and Home Care of Reno County.
Community resiliency covers crisis and disaster response, such as rent and utility assistance through The Salvation Army and volunteer disaster recovery efforts. Financial security includes programs like Interfaith Housing’s Individual Development Accounts for homeownership, Circles Reno County, and Kansas Legal Services.
While specific funding targets vary by category, Stanfield said allocations are guided by both organizational requests and available resources. “We’re not always able to meet every request exactly, but most of the time we can get very close,” she said.
Accountability remains a priority for United Way. Partner organizations are required to submit annual reports detailing how funds are used and who is being served. Beginning in late 2025, United Way also implemented quarterly reporting to provide more detailed, timely data.
“Our goal is transparency,” she said. “We want the community to clearly see how donated dollars are being used to support programs and change lives here in Reno County.”