United Way of Northern New Hampshire and Granite United Way announce merger

Fundraising and fund distribution to remain local; smaller entities thriving within new, larger organization

CONCORD/BERLIN – The success of the 2010 merger of four independent New Hampshire United Ways that led to the formation of Granite United Way was so encouraging to the board of directors of the United Way of Northern New Hampshire (UWNNH) that they recently voted to also become part of the organization. As of February 1, Granite United Way will now serve over half a million residents in New Hampshire and Vermont and cover nearly 75 percent of the state’s geographic territory. The current United Way office on Main Street in Berlin will remain open. 

The addition of the United Way of Northern New Hampshire to the organization was a logical step in creating various efficiencies that will improve program offerings and maximize donor dollars in the communities served with all fundraising and fund distribution remaining local, said officials. In addition, each regional office will have the added resource of utilizing one another to further develop strategic fundraising campaigns and initiatives all with the ultimate goal of creating lasting change and having a significant, positive impact on the community.
Considering the challenges not-for-profits continue to face, this merger is extremely timely. 

”Reductions in funding, decreased endowments and an increased need for services are all stressing our not-for-profit safety net. As an organization in a leadership role, United Way knows that by coming together we can build upon our individual strengths to better address the needs in our communities,” said Patrick Tufts, president  and CEO of Granite United Way. 

In its first year, Granite United Way has seen many accomplishments; raising more money, streamlining various initiatives and decreasing their cost of doing business. Extending the organization’s service area to the northernmost parts of the state allows for increased program offerings, greater fundraising acumen and better technology. There are plans to hire a fundraising professional to work out of the Berlin office immediately. 

 “As we all know, there are many individuals and families in need of assistance in our community.  Ideally, this will allow us to not only better serve them, but to increase the number we are currently serving,” says Rolanda Duschene, UWNNH executive director. Duschene will remain with the organization working with program partners and leading the community investment work in the region. Additionally, a member of the former United Way of Northern New Hampshire Board of Directors will represent the region on the Granite United Way