Frequently Asked Questions

The size of a consolidated organization will increase efficiencies, reduce duplications, and build on the collective strengths which will ultimately lead to more funding available for partners and programs that improve people’s lives in our region.
With giving trends across the country changing and, in some cases, even declining, conservative 10-year projections show that a merged organization will have significantly more community funding available than a single entity, committee members said.

While both organizations are strong, each faces structural, fundraising, and communication/marketing challenges that will ultimately impede our ability to address community issues and adapt to the rapidly changing regional workforce and philanthropic landscape.

Initial conversations began in June of 2021 and several key members from each of the Executive Boards carried their terms over to see us through this transition.

This has been an incredibly thorough and thoughtful process. Multiple joint committees were formed, and strategic planning meetings were held to discuss the pros and cons of the merger.
These changes have been supported by our local partners in both counties and endorsed by United Way Worldwide.

The organizations had to make their respective decisions based on what each believed was in the best interest of those it serves. Both boards of directors for the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way and the United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties voted unanimously on June 22, 2022, to approve the merger of the two agencies.

Being that the vote took place in late June, the Fourth of July holiday delayed the announcement due to office closures and key board members and staff being out of office.

We were also waiting on United Way Worldwide’s final approval and endorsement of our press release.

Yes, the merger is effective as of September 1, 2022, and Susquehanna Valley United Way will assume all responsibilities of the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way and United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties.

The Merger will help us mobilize communities for change, while still maintaining the value of locally based relationships, knowledge, and identity.

It will help us develop stronger partnerships across the five-county region, creating a deeper understanding of our work and how the communities can engage with United Way
This merger will allow us to maximize our customer service and increase our operational efficiency, ultimately resulting in more dollars available for funding programs and partners that improve lives and strengthen communities in the five-county region.

Leaders from Greater Susquehanna Valley and Columbia-Montour United Ways will serve on the new board and operating committees ensuring local stakeholders and community involvement from businesses, organizations, and individuals from both regions.
Staff will continue to work from existing regional offices in Bloomsburg and Sunbury.

We have no plans at this time to reduce staff from either organization. However, current job titles, descriptions, and reporting structures may be modified.

This is an exciting opportunity for all staff for personal development and growth.
Economies of scale savings derived from combining such as IT systems, bulk purchase items (office supplies, campaign materials, etc.), and audit costs, can be used to produce higher quality products and services which improve productivity and impact.

This year’s campaign will be immediately integrated to ensure success in the Fall of 2022.
The merger will enable United Way to serve donors in an even more efficient manner and give donors a more compelling reason to support United Way because more of their dollars will be spent directly on increasing impact in the community.

Our new model will allow us to provide a richer, more rewarding donor experience.
Previously, several corporate and workplace donors interacted with both United Ways. By becoming one, we will offer a seamless experience for those donors.
A full-time Director of Philanthropy will be dedicated to helping you build effective and targeted campaigns this Fall that will surely improve lives and strengthen communities across our five-county region.

Allocation decisions from the 2021 Campaign were made separately. Each United Way had its respective Allocations Committee make its recommendations which were approved this past June by the Boards of Directors for distribution starting July 1st, 2022 – no current funding decisions will be affected by the merger.

Moving forward, the 2022 allocation process will continue to use the same criteria, but decisions will be considered and awarded jointly as a five-county organization. As always, the Board of Directors determines the best use of the donors’ dollars based on need and results before approving grants.

Yes, the intent of the donor is first and foremost. Money raised in local community campaigns throughout our region will continue to be used to serve local communities. Along with raising funds, community volunteers will continue to assess needs, review agencies, and make local recommendations.

Adrienne Mael, current president and CEO of both GSVUW and UWCMC, will continue as president and chief executive officer of the newly merged organization.

Not at this time, although there have been discussions with different United Ways in the area about how we can all work together more effectively as a region.