SAVANNAH, Ga. (March 31, 2026) – United Way of the Coastal Empire is launching a…
United Way Reaches 96% of $5.2 Million Community Fund Goal,
Announces Final Four-Week Community Challenge
SAVANNAH, Ga. (June 2, 2026) – United Way of the Coastal Empire celebrated the generosity of the community Tuesday during a press conference highlighting the impact of this year’s Community Fund Campaign, recognizing the campaign’s top corporate donors, and inviting the Coastal Empire to join a final four-week effort to help reach its $5.2 million fundraising goal.
With just four weeks remaining in the 2025-2026 campaign, United Way announced it has raised 96% of its goal, a major milestone made possible by thousands of donors, volunteers, workplace campaign leaders, and community partners across the region.
“This year’s campaign theme is Join the Journey, and what a powerful journey it has been,” said Kimberly Waller, president and CEO of United Way of the Coastal Empire. “Because of this caring community, we’ve been able to connect families to critical resources, support nonprofit partners across our region, and invest in programs that help children and families build stronger futures. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has given, volunteered, and supported this work.”
Donations to the Community Fund allow United Way to improve lives in the five-county region by providing direct assistance to thousands of community residents through United Way’s 211 Information and Referral Service and county service centers, supporting over 80 programs across more than 50 nonprofit agencies, and connecting volunteers to causes that strengthen our community.
During the event, United Way recognized its three most generous corporate partners of the year for their extraordinary workplace campaigns and longstanding commitment to the community:
- Colonial Group: Pledged $601,114, including $517,735 to the Community Fund
- Gulfstream Aerospace: Pledged $601,273, all directed to the Community Fund
- Georgia Ports Authority: Pledged $663,102, including $612,514 to the Community Fund
“These organizations represent the very best of what community leadership looks like,” Waller said. “Their generosity, and the generosity of their employees, helps strengthen lives throughout the Coastal Empire and inspires others to give back.”
Campaign Chair Ryan Chandler thanked the community for stepping up throughout the campaign and encouraged residents to help close the remaining gap before June 30.
“We set an ambitious goal because the need in our community is real,” Chandler said. “Even during challenging times, people across the Coastal Empire continue to show up for one another in remarkable ways. Every gift matters, and every contribution improves lives. Help us finish this journey strong and continue building a community that creates the opportunity for everyone to reach their potential.”
United Way also announced that anyone who donates between now and June 30 will be entered into an opportunity to win a Savannah staycation thanks to one of its generous donors.
To support United Way of the Coastal Empire’s Community Fund before the June 30 campaign deadline, visit uwce.org/finalpush.
