Seventy-six percent of donors surveyed, believed that United Way was the best way to support their community. Seventy-seven percent of the investors expressed satisfaction that their contribution to United Way matters and is efficiently managed. Here are some of the other major findings of the survey:

•     There is widespread support of United Way's current funding priorities. There is agreement on the top three priorities: people in crisis, early childhood and youth.

•     The top three choices for charitable giving among investors are religious, education and non- profits, in that order.

•     Contribution levels remained constant or increased indicating investors' level of confidence and support for charitable organizations.

•     Salina has loyal investors who generously support the community's needs; two-thirds donate over $1,000 a year. Loyalty to supporting community needs is not based on income levels   

   
    The Investor Survey was mailed to 1,960 individuals from United Way's donor and non-donor database of Key Club Members, professionals, retirees and company CEO's in October 2004. The return rate from the mailing was 440 or 23%.

     The Salina Area United Way Board of Directors commissioned the Investor Survey and its analysis as part of its strategic plan update. The purpose of the Investor Survey was to determine opinions and perception of the United Way, its annual campaign and community issue priorities. Additionally, the survey gathered demographic and charitable giving information as well as communication preferences. The analysis will assist the Salina Area United Way in understanding charitable investors' priorities and preferences.

    The above are just a few of the findings from the survey, for further and more detailed information; please pick up the Investor Report at the United Way office


    America's Promise - The Alliance for Youth announced that Salina is a winner of a first-ever national competition to identify 100 Best Communities for Young People.  The winning communities - ranging from small towns to urban neighborhoods across America - are being celebrated for their commitment to provide healthy, safe and caring environments for young people.

        Salina is receiving the 100 Best honor, in part, because of the community's strong collaborative programs on behalf of children and youth.  An example of the kinds of programs that make Salina one of the 100 Best include: the Arts Infusion Program, a partnership between the Salina Arts and Humanities Department and Salina Schools, bring arts into the schools through a program coordinated with the school curriculum. It provides visual and performing artists to work with the children throughout the school year.

    A complete list of winners can be found at www.americaspromise.org.  Members of America's Promise Alliance - including United Way of America, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Junior Achievement and the YMCA and many others - took leading roles in the 100 Best competition.  100 Best Communities for Young People was launched in partnership with Capital One Financial Corporation. 

    America's Promise Founding Chairman General Colin Powell launched the competition in May and Salina Area United Way and The Volunteer Connection on behalf of Healthy Communities Healthy Youth Initiative applied for a place on the prestigious list.  Salina and the other winners were chosen by a distinguished selection panel of civic, business and nonprofit leaders, including United Way of America President Brian Gallagher, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala, baseball great Cal Ripken Jr. and former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb.
    
    The selection panel evaluated 100 Best entries that required detailed information about each community's efforts to fulfill five essential promises critical to the well-being of young people: caring adults who are actively involved in their lives; safe places in which to learn and grow; a healthy start toward adulthood; an effective education that builds marketable skills; and opportunities to help others.

    “It is wonderful to learn first-hand how outstanding communities are making a difference in people's lives - especially their young people,” said Brian Gallagher, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of America.  “We are committed to helping communities across America follow the examples provided by winning communities and adopt similar programs that will help our nation's young people succeed in life.”

    To honor the 100 Best communities selected, the America's Promise Alliance will hold a special event November 2nd in Washington, D.C. This celebration will be dedicated to the children affected by Hurricane Katrina, highlighting outstanding community initiatives across the country that are providing displaced children with the services and support that they need to thrive no matter where they are.  All proceeds from this event will go toward helping the children impacted by Katrina.    

    The Alliance will also sponsor a yearlong celebration including a special day in each of the winning communities and a series of regional forums across the country that will enable communities to share their success stories and learn effective strategies from one another that will further enrich the lives of their young people. 

     “The applications revealed communities that care about their kids and are working together to make their futures better. We saw leaders and people genuinely engaged and full of pride in their towns. Together, they have strengthened my faith in our great country,” said Marguerite W. Sallee, President and CEO of America’s Promise - The Alliance for Youth.