A massive thank you to our incredible community leaders, partners, and supporters who filled this morning’s United Way of CNY State of Caring event with so much passion and dedication to driving change.

A few key takeaways from Drive Research’s 2026 State of Caring Report:
– Central New Yorkers remain deeply committed to a variety of critical impact areas. Hunger and food banks lead as the primary focus, with more than two in five residents (42%) prioritizing the issue, followed by children and youth initiatives (33%). Other prominent concerns include homelessness and housing (30%), animal welfare (24%), and mental health (24%).

These top five priorities remain consistent with last year’s findings, however, those selecting hunger and food banks increased by 10% (up from 32%).

– Central New Yorkers consistently demonstrate higher levels of nonprofit support and engagement than the rest of the country. In the past 12 months, over half of regional residents (52%) have donated to a nonprofit, significantly outpacing the national figure of 33%.

– Beyond financial contributions, local participation in nonprofit volunteering and advocacy exceeds the rest of the U.S. by 6% and 8%, respectively.

– Donation habits for Central New Yorkers have dipped like last year, with 37% saying they donated less over the past few years.

Request a digital copy of the full report from Drive Research at https://www.driveresearch.com/state-of-caring-report-cny/

During the event, we also celebrated our 2026 Achievements in Caring Award Winners:
• Impact Maker: Sidney Federal Credit Union
• Community Champion: CXtec
• Catalyst for Change: Kristin Mannion
• Torchbearer: Mike Durkin
• Uniquely United: Raising the Green – Bill Patrick & Andrew Derrenbacker, CFA, CFP®
• Local Legend: TTM Technologies

Thank you to our Title Sponsor, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 43; Presenting Sponsors, Equitable & Upstate Medical University; Networking Sponsor, Visions Federal Credit Union; and support from The Lab Creative & Drive Research.

This event has concluded

Join us on September 15, 2026, for our annual “State of Caring” event for an insightful look into the current landscape of giving, volunteering, and impact across Central New York with data powered by Drive Research. What causes are local people most passionate about? How does it change across generations? What is the outlook for 2027? We’ll answer these questions and much more.

This is more than just a presentation; it’s a chance to connect with fellow community members and leaders who are passionate about making a difference right here in CNY. In addition, United Way will recognize a handful of extraordinary businesses, individuals, and organizations for Achievements in Caring.

7:30 am – Registration and Networking
8:00 – 9:00 am – Program

Thank you to our title sponsor, IBEW Local 43 Union Electricians, our presenting sponsors, Equitable & Upstate Medical University, networking sponsor Visions Federal Credit Union, and support from The Lab Creative & Drive Research.

Click to view State of Caring Reports from 2025, 2024 and 2023