United Way of Greater McHenry County, Inc.

United Way of Greater McHenry County unites people and resources to build a stronger community. Our key impact areas include addressing homelessness, mental health, senior citizens, youth, healthcare and advocacy and support services. Our ultimate goal is that every health and human service need in McHenry County is met.
This year more than ever, our 33 partner agencies are counting on us to continue to raise even more money, so they can in turn focus on administering their essential programs. They are working hard to provide services to clients and have seen an increase in numbers. With the cancellation of events and fundraising activities, they aren’t able to sustain in the long-run. That is the beauty of United Way and why our services are so critical. Our organization acts as an umbrella. We work to fundraise on their behalf, collecting donations and allocating them in a fiscally responsible manner. Companies and individuals can make one donation to our United Way and touch so many nonprofits and community members.

Our main strategy would be to support our local nonprofit partner agencies by fundraising so they can do the critical work of helping clients and meeting their needs. In turn, our main focus is fundraising to be able to grant dollars each spring to these nonprofits. We work to fundraise with companies doing a payroll deduction, a small business pledge program, direct mail, sponsorships and community fundraisers.

Our organization has four dedicated employees who focus strongly on fundraising, as well as communicating the needs to the community every day through their work. We partner with local CEO's, businesses and community leaders to inspire them to run a workplace campaign, showcase the resources available to employees and encourage them to give back and give where they live.

Our footprint in McHenry County grows stronger every year! We have seen an increase in donations the last three years, as well as our presence in McHenry County. Our organization is respected among our community members and we are one of the top fundraisers in the county. Our residents know that we believe in Community First!

The United Way of Greater McHenry County anticipated an urgent community need in March 2020, in response to the unfolding COVID-19 health crisis. With a long-standing history of working closely with and fundraising for local nonprofits, United Way recognized the dire affect this would have on the community. They immediately took initiative, engaging the Community Foundation, to launch the McHenry County Community COVID-19 Response Fund.
This pandemic is a real-time picture of the increased challenges that families across McHenry County face every day, and why United Way of Greater McHenry County is vital in helping to raise funds. Our region’s health and human service organizations immediately saw a surge in demand for services from neighbors and communities significantly impacted by the Coronavirus outbreak. United Way knew the need was critical and that these nonprofits needed resources to continue to operate at the highest capacity.
The Response Fund provides a place for philanthropists, corporations and individuals to contribute, with 100 percent of every donation being granted out. With United Way of Greater McHenry County’s help and a strong relationship with the State of Illinois, over $730,000 has been raised to-date. The first two rounds of funding, totaling $500,000 were granted to 27 eligible organizations who applied and fit the criteria.
The United Way is still seeking donations as another surge threatens our community. Over $230,000 is available for a third round of funding which will be distributed in the next six months as the needs evolve.