In 1997, local volunteers formed United Way of the Great Basin, a separate non-profit corporation, breaking away from the United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra headquartered in Reno, to better serve the five northeastern Nevada Counties of Humboldt, Lander, White Pine, Eureka and Elko.

As the young United Way grew from $300,000 in its first year, to $1.6 million in 2009, the vast majority of funding came from loyal contributors, both individuals and corporations, primarily in the mining industry located in Elko, Eureka, Lander and Humboldt Counties.

Other community-minded companies and their employees joined the movement, but not in numbers equal to those of the mining industry. 

Although this generous support allowed the United Way of the Great Basin to help fund as many as 60 essential health and human service programs administered by 27 partner agencies across the region, the Board of Directors and administration always recognized the inherent risk in receiving a disportionate amount of funding from any one entity or industry. 

In early 2010, the organization's fears were realized when changes in the economy and corporate philanthropic focus resulted in total fundraising of only $150,000, just 10% of the previous year's total.

In spite of United Way of the Great Basin's current inability to provide funding to last year's 60 programs, we continue to work closely with our 27 partner agencies and support their efforts in other ways.  At the same time, our partners are helping United Way recover and rebuild its funding base.

But we cannot do it without the continued help of individual and corporate donors who have been the foundation of our work for the past 13 years, as well as new contributors who share our determination to assist their friends and neighbors in need.  An estimated 1 in 4 familes in our area has received help every year from at least one United Way funded program.  Now these critical programs face uncertain funding levels.

Can you imagine your community not having help for those who need emergency food, clothing or shelter, Or refuge for a victim of domestic violence?  Where would young, single mothers turn for help learning to care for their baby?  Is it acceptable for children to go without dental care when their families are uninsured and can't afford treatment?  What if homebound seniors could not get nutritious meals delivered by the local senior center? 

How can you help?

First, please consider giving generously to your local United Way.  By clicking the "Donate" button to the right, you can make a one-time donation or schedule recurring payments by credit card, or directly from a checking or savings account.

Secondly, help us educate others about the need for their involvement.  If all of us give a little, no one has to give a lot to make a tremendous difference in people's lives.  Click the "Advocate" menu item to the left to learn more.

Thirdly, can you volunteer your time, talents, or expertise to this work?  By volunteering, you can see the value of your labor, first hand.  To volunteer, click the "Volunteer" button to the right, and select an area of interest.  We'll match you up with volunteer opportunities in one of our partner agencies or right here at the United Way.

GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.  That's what United Way's LIVE UNITED campaign is all about.  Together, we can inspire hope.  United, we can create stronger, more stable communities. If we LIVE UNITED, we can ensure critical services remain available in our communities.
 
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