The most common word used to describe United Way is “helpful.” As good as being helpful sounds, there are three reasons why your United Way should NOT be known as helpful . . .

Over the past 34 years, we have had the opportunity to survey thousands of local United Way donors. One question we ask donors is “Are there any suggestions or comments you would like to make about United Way?” and we heard this . . .

In southwest Michigan, you don’t need to drive very far to see a farm with one or more silos next to the barn. Silos are a more recent addition to the United Way landscape, gaining popularity in the early 2000’s. However, silos present a variety of challenges for United Ways . . .

There are plenty of misperceptions about United Way donors. Let’s see how well you know your donors.

This isn’t the first time I have examined trends facing United Ways. Unsurprisingly, three of the four trends I’ll share with you are …

Since 1989, we have surveyed hundreds of thousands of donors from large and small United Ways, from major cities to rural counties, from north to south and east to west. Amazingly, the secrets we have learned from donors are . . .