Year-End Giving Reminder:  The last few weeks of the year are when most charitable giving happens — people feel more generous, tax benefits kick in for those who itemize, and many folks use year-end bonuses or appreciated stock to support causes they believe in. It's the perfect moment to make a meaningful impact, especially with an organization that stretches every donor dollar farther than you ever could on your own.   Why United Way Might Be One of the Smartest Ways to Give Back To Business Monday You know how I like to start a Monday: a little caffeine, a little optimism, and a whole lot of "let's get back to business." And today's business? The business of helping people — and why the United Way may be one of the most effective ways to do that in your own backyard. I sat down with David Rabin, CEO of the Greenwich United Way, and even though we talked about his local chapter, the lessons apply EVERYWHERE — because what he shared is an example how United Ways across the country (and the world!) operate. The Big Picture: United Way is a massive global network with: • 1,200 local United Ways • Serving 1,800 communities • Across 40 countries Each community has its own United Way chapter focused on local needs — and that local focus is what makes the entire model powerful.   Why United Way Might Be a Better Choice Than Donating to One Charity Directly This was the "aha!" moment for me — and it applies no matter where you live. 1. United Way does the homework you don't have time for. They review each nonprofit's tax returns, audited financials, budgets, spending, and program data with a fine-tooth comb. They uncover inefficiencies and issues most donors would never spot. 2. They maximize your impact by giving where the greatest needs actually are. Local needs change constantly — mental health, childcare, housing, literacy, food insecurity — and United Way chapters run formal needs assessments to know exactly where donor dollars matter most. 3. One donation supports the entire ecosystem of help in your community. Instead of supporting one organization, your gift can strengthen dozens of essential local programs — the ones people rely on when life gets hard. 4. They build solutions when none exist. For example, in Greenwich, CT the local United Way partnered with the hospital to create a youth mental-health program where no such resource existed before. That kind of long-term, structural change is happening in communities all over the country.   A Greenwich, CT Example That Applies Anywhere David shared that even in a wealthy town like Greenwich, nearly one-third of residents are living in poverty or are one paycheck away from trouble. Surprising, right? That's the point. Every community — even the ones that look well-off — has people struggling quietly. United Way chapters exist to find those hidden needs and do something about them.   A Final Thought from Your "Dealer in Hope" I love shining a light on the people doing good in the world and this conversation was a beautiful reminder that real impact doesn't happen in headlines — it happens in communities, one need at a time. Wherever you live, your local United Way is probably out there doing the heavy lifting you never see… making sure kids can read, families can access mental-health care, seniors have support, and struggling neighbors get help before they fall through the cracks. So, if you're thinking about year-end giving — and wondering who deserves your "deductible dollars" — United Way might be a pretty great place to start.   To learn more about United Way in your community:  unitedway.org If you want to learn more, donate, volunteer, or get involved in the Greenwich, CT United Way: greenwichunitedway.org 203-869-2221 And to hear the full conversation with David Rabin, CEO Greenwich United Way click play on the podcast and soak up the good energy.

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