At United Way of Central New York, our mission is to build a stronger, more vibrant community by mobilizing the caring power of our region. This year, we took a significant step forward in understanding the pulse of our community through the CNY State of Caring reports and insightful event that followed.

In partnership with Drive Research, we conducted a comprehensive survey to gain valuable insights into community experiences with local and regional non-profit organizations. The results shed light on the roles and expectations CNY residents have for these organizations, and how we can all work together to create a more impactful and caring community.

Here are some key findings from the survey:

– Hunger and food banks, children and youth, homelessness and housing are the top community areas, social issues, and topics CNY are most passionate about. Although champions of charitable causes vary by age.

– Encouragingly, over half of the respondents (57%) have contirbuted to a non-profit organization in the past twelve month. This demonstrates a strong willingness within our community to support and uplift one another.

– Looking ahead, nearly 6-in-10 (59%) expect the amount of money they donate in the next 12 months to remain consistent. Similarly, two-thirds (65%) anticipate their time spent volunteering to remain unchanged. This steadfast commitment to community service is heartening.

These findings provide a foundation for us to build upon, highlighting the incredible potential within our community. However, it’s also a reminder that we can always strive to do more. This is where the power of organizations and their employees comes into play.

As we navigate the diverse passions and interests of different generations, it’s crucial for organizations to engage with their employees on a personal level. Taking the time to understand the specific non-profits and causes that resonate with each individual fosters a culture of community involvement that is authentic and impactful.

At United Way of Central New York, we’re committed to harnessing this collective energy to create positive change. By aligning our efforts with the passions and values of our community members, we can forge a path towards a more caring and connected Central New York.

For more information about the CNY State of Caring report, click here. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of those who call Central New York home.