Nonprofits United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and United Way of West Central Connecticut are joining forces in a new, merged entity.
The new organization will serve one-third of the state’s population across 56 cities and towns.
The charities say the combination is intended to enhance community impact, streamline operations, and expand services across the region.
“By aligning operations and combining resources, we will be better positioned to increase our impact in early childhood education, financial stability and homelessness while creating operational efficiencies, and strengthening our collective voice across the 860 region,” said Eric Harrison, president and CEO of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.
Harrison will serve as president and CEO of the merged entity, which will continue under the Central and Northeastern name. All team members from United Way of West Central Connecticut will be retained.
The United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut is the much larger entity. According to its latest 990 tax statement, for fiscal year 2023, it reported $12.6 million in revenue, a surplus of $426,438, $19.4 million in net assets and 43 employees. A year earlier it reported $12.9 million in revenue and a surplus of $2.1 million.
According to its latest 990 tax statement, for fiscal year 2023, United Way of West Central Connecticut reported $561,347 in revenue, a net loss of $195,308, $383,584 in net assets and six employees.
“While the alliance will integrate operations with United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut it will also fully honor and preserve the distinct identity, relationships, and community presence both organizations have built over more than 100 years of service,” said Rachel Beckwith, chair of United Way of West Central Connecticut’s board of directors.
Beckwith will lead a newly formed regional advisory board to represent United Way of West Central Connecticut and the communities it serves.
Manny Martinez, who has served as president of the United Way of West Central will become vice president of regional engagement.
The rest of the leadership group will include:
- Jennifer Bengtson, Chief Financial Officer
- Brandon Emerson, Chief Philanthropy Officer
- Maura Cook, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Development
- Jen Gifford, Senior Vice President, Community Impact and Engagement
