For decades, the United Way and Red Cross chapters in Akron have raised funds together -- but now there's an amicable divorce looming. In a letter sent to supporters, executives of both agencies noted their fundraising pact would be terminated by mutual agreement ahead of it's scheduled 2019 expiration date. The Red Cross would get it's normal amount for the year as a lump sum. Both say they will continue to work together with representatives sitting on each other's boards.

 

- - - 

 

(United Way/American Red Cross)  As United Way of Summit County embarks upon a new strategic direction away from a traditional agency­funding model and toward a community change model, it has become clear that there are some challenges in maintaining the United Way ­- American Red Cross joint fundraising agreement as it has existed for more than 50 years. 

 

As a result, United Way entered into negotiations with the Red Cross towards a mutually agreeable termination of our joint fundraising contract, which was originally set to expire in April 2019. As part of the proposed agreement, the Red Cross will receive a lump­sum payout which is very close to the annual allocations originally negotiated by the contract. 

 

Our common goal is to create a strong community. We feel that the proposed agreement is mutually beneficial to both organizations and positions them to better serve by focusing on their respective missions while acknowledging the changing realities in which both organizations deliver their services for the good of the community. Both organizations remain committed to providing services in Akron and the surrounding communities and will continue to work together, as the opportunity allows, in an effort to improve the lives of all community members. 

 

For example, representatives from each organization will continue to serve on United Way’s campaign cabinet in an effort to gain the support of the community and corporations. The Red Cross will continue to provide community­based services to support its mission to prevent and alleviate suffering in the face of emergencies throughout Summit, Portage and Medina Counties. 

 

These services include (but are not limited to): Citizen CPR Classes, which offer community members the opportunity to learn “hands only” CPR, which can help save lives; Operation Save­A­Life, which educates community members on responding during a home fire and installs smoke alarms in homes throughout the three counties; Blood Drives, which provide local medical systems access to life­saving blood products; and Disaster Relief to those who have experienced a home fire or flooding.

 

The Red Cross will be expanding its fundraising efforts in the community for the upcoming fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2016.

 

United Way of Summit County is committed to working within our community to align and drive collaborative resources for long lasting change for all. Over the next 18 months, United Way will convene stakeholders to help shape the overall impact agenda for its work in Education, Income and Health for years to come. Measures of success in this work will be centered on impact and community change indicators that will result in a strong return on investment for Summit County. 

 

Final approval of the dissolution of the partnership will be voted on at the United Way board meeting on June 15.