United Way Funding Changes Please Some, Not Others

The United Way of Greater Cleveland is refining the formula for determining how it divvies up the donations it receives during its annual campaign.  President and CEO Bill Kitson explains how the changes have been made, and how the United Way hopes to make a bigger impact, even while funding fewer programs.

The United Way Sets 2013 Goal: $42.5 Million

The United Way of Greater Cleveland kicked off this year's campaign with its traditional Pancake Flip on Public Square August 29, 2013.  This year's goal is $42,500,000.  Last year, the campaign exceeded the $41,000,000 goal by more than $400,000.

Bill Kitson, CEO of the United Way of Greater Cleveland explains where the money goes in this interview with Jim, and reasons that since the majority of donations come through payroll deductions, the local job market may be improving.

Ride United For United Way Of Greater Cleveland

The United Way of Greater Cleveland has been under the leadership of Bill Kitson for just over a year.  He inherited an organization that has met its goal for the past 3 years, including last year's goal of $41 million. More than 100 agencies get money from the United Way of Greater Cleveland  for more than 200 programs that help more than 450,000 people.  Among them are the students of the Cleveland Metropolitan school District.  The United Way is looking for volunteers to help the 13 "investment schools,"  identified as those most in need.

Ride United is a fundraiser and an awareness campaign.  Bill tells Jim that the bike ride between Cleveland and Akron is also a way to promote a healthy community.  The ride starts Sunday morning at Cleveland State University, and offers riders the chance to bike routes from 12 to 100 miles.