United Way groups to merge

Naperville organization unable to meet funding requests

After five years of flat donations, United Way of Naperville will merge with United Way of DuPage Area this fall.

Sluggish fundraising and rising needs in Naperville left the branch unable to meet its funding requests this year, said Naperville Board President Chip Downing. Of the $1.5 million in funding requests, the agency received this fiscal year, it was only able to distribute $925,000, he said.

"It's a difficult climate for not-for-profits," Downing said. "The campaigns we've had have been relatively flat, and the needs have risen. They haven't been able to meet requests."

Combining the two branches will make it easier for charities to apply for United Way funds. Of the 30 charities supported by Naperville, 21 also receive funding from DuPage. Now those organizations will only have to fill out one, not two, applications for United Way funds.

The merger also will bulk up fundraising abilities for the United Way DuPage Area by turning the agency into a central funding point, Downing said.

As three staffers leave the Naperville office, two new positions will be created at the DuPage office. The new employees will focus on expanding the endowment, gathering individual donations and promoting United Way's most lucrative operation - its workplace campaign.

"There are some efficiencies that can be brought by combining the two agencies," Downing said. "We expect additional funds to come out of this merger."

Five Naperville board members will join the 19-member DuPage board after the merger takes place Oct. 1. Mayor George Pradel has agreed to act as an honorary board member.

Naperville United Way's annual Garden Party - its most creative fundraising event - will still proceed as planned this year, but Downing could not say whether it will be continued in the future. Each year, local businesses donate sculptures that are displayed downtown through the summer and auctioned in September.

After United Way consolidated six area branches in 2004, Naperville was left the only separate agency in DuPage County. Downing said the seven Naperville-based charities receiving funds can expect support for at least one more year.

"We're very confident this is the right thing to do for Naperville," he said.