LOCK HAVEN — Beginning in 2023, the Clinton County United Way will implement its new Leadership Giving Program.
The Leadership Giving Program is designed to recognize contributions made by individual community members that give to the annual campaign. There are seven different levels that all correspond to different amounts donated throughout the year.
“Clinton County is very fortunate because we have a lot of people in our community who are generous, and that support and believe in our mission. We, as an organization, felt that it was important that these people be formally recognized for all the good they do for our community,” Ben Green, executive director of the United Way, said.
Individuals who contribute certain amounts to the annual campaign will receive public recognition if they so choose. They’ll also be eligible to receive complimentary tickets to certain United Way events and other benefits as the program develops.
The levels are as follows for any individual who gives between the designated amounts within the annual campaign year:
— Ally Level: $1,000-$1,499
— Advocate Level: $1,500-$1,999
— Leader Level: $2,000-$2,999
— Patron Level: $3,000-$5,000
— Benefactor Level: $5,000-$7,449
— Champion Level: $7,500-$9,999
— Tocqueville Society National Membership $10,000
Green said the United Way hopes to build partnerships through this new program.
“We’re hoping to develop partnerships with local companies over the next one to two years to develop matching programs for first time leadership giving individuals,” he said. “For example, if a first time leadership giver were to donate $1,000, said corporate partner would make a corresponding donation of 50% of the individual’s gift making their contribution $1,500 which will go even further in achieving the mission of the United Way.”
This program, along with various fundraisers, are how the United Way stays focused on its mission.
“The mission of the Clinton County United Way is to improve the lives of the residents of Clinton County in the areas of health, education and financial stability. It’s a pretty broad definition, but what makes our organization different is that we’re able to direct funds and try to solve problems specific to Clinton County,” Green said. “Right now, we’re really trying to direct all our efforts into helping people in our community through this challenging economic time.”
Green explained the Clinton County United Way is laser focused on assisting individuals right here.
“Our community’s United Way is specifically focused on those who are considered the working poor or the ALICE population. Simply put, we’re trying to help those who are trying to help themselves. The people who are getting up everyday and going to work but are still struggling to put food on the table, get their car inspected, or pay their heating bill,” he said. “About 30% of Clinton County’s population falls into this category. People who make too much to receive any sort of meaningful assistance from Federal and State programs, but don’t really make enough to live securely.”
And with increased costs from heating oil, groceries and more, this population has never been more in need.
“Inflation is making it even worse right now. Costs on almost everything have been going up for years and years, but wages lagged behind. The recent acceleration of this means even more people are being excluded from the “Middle-Class American Dream,” Green Said. “I have faith that someday things will get better, but in the meantime that’s where our organization, and a lot of others in our community as well, are stepping up. We’re trying to bridge that gap and we need those who aren’t suffering so badly right now to step up and help those that are suffering a lot.”
“We’re hoping this program helps incentivize people to contribute and in doing so they get the recognition they deserve for doing so,” he continued.
The Clinton County United Way is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization run by a local board of directors. For more information about the program or any other questions please visit www.clintoncountyunitedway.org or email Director Ben Green at clintoncountyuw@gmail.com
