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Brief History |
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United Way of the Great Basin was formally organized as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable organization on July 1, 1997. However, the first United Way campaign activity in Elko was initiated in 1991. Under the United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierras, the first campaign netted approximately $27,000 to fund five partner agencies. During the next two years volunteers raised the campaign income to over $250,000. In 1995 the campaign reached $350,000, and reflected an increased corporate support from the mining industry to over 50% of the total campaign. The first discussions of becoming an independent United Way began in earnest as campaign income exceeded $300,000, an amount considered viable to support an independent organization. However, the final decision did not take place until 1996, when a full time paid director had been in place over one year. In 1996, a lofty goal of $600,000 was set. With the help of a hard-working volunteer board and active participation of local industry representatives, that goal was exceeded by over $100,000. United Way of the Great Basin encompasses the five northeastern Nevada counties of Elko, Eureka, White Pine, Humboldt and Lander. The primary communities conducting fund drives beginning in Elko, were Winnemucca and then Ely. Non-profit agencies providing health and human services in any of these counties were initially eligible to apply for funding, based on total funds raised in that county. In 1998 the success of the campaign in Humboldt and Lander counties prompted the organization of a Winnemucca sub-committee for fund raising and fund distribution in those counties. The goal was to increase and diversify workplace participation in the campaign (strongly supported by the mining industry), as well as to provide enough funding for agencies to provide a wider range of local services in Winnemucca and Battle Mountain. A Standards of Excellence, adopted by UWGB in 1997, required agencies to meet and exceed minimal standards of performance in the areas of Governance, Financial Management & Fiscal Responsibility, Legal, Program Management, Human Resources Administration, and Equipment and Facilities (safety). Certification of compliance with these standards upgraded the service delivery and administrative performance of local non-profits and became the qualifying element to apply for United Way funding. Thirteen agencies providing local services were the first certified and funded by UWGB for operations in fiscal year 1998-99. Those agencies were: American Red Cross - Northeast Nevada Chapter, Carlin Open Door Senior Center, Committee Against Domestic Violence, Family Resource Center, Elko Senior Citizen’s Center, Friends in Service Helping, Horizon Hospice, Wells Silver Sage Senior Center, Support, Inc. (Ely), Vitality Center, Boy Scouts of America - Nevada Area Council, Sierra Nevada Girl Scouts Council, Inc., and the Retired Senior and Volunteer Services. In addition to the original thirteen partner agencies, the following agencies have also become members over the years; Battle Mountain Family Resource Center, Bright Path Enrichment Center, Elko Boys & Girls Club, Friends for Life, Nevada Health Centers, Nevada Legal Services, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.E.A.C.E Project, R.S.V.P. of Northern Nevada, Seniors of Humboldt County, Wells Family Resource Center, and Winnemucca Ministerial Association. |
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Ruby Mountain Range Located in Elko County |
