United Way/Centraide launches new line of business
December 9, 2008, Ottawa - This afternoon, United Way/Centraide announced a $1 million gift by Stephen Greenberg and his family that will support the enhancement of two Ottawa homework clubs. The announcement also marks a new kind of giving for United Way/Centraide that provides donors and funders an opportunity to become more directly involved in developing community solutions.
"As a donor it is very exciting to identify an area of need and then to be able to work with skilled people in that field to create a program to address those needs," says Stephen Greenberg. "It is also exciting to leverage a donation to attract new partners and new kinds of support to magnify the cumulative impact of that donation."
This new way of giving enables United Way/Centraide to forge a link between the philanthropic aspirations of donors and community development opportunities. It allows for a more focused investment, working with committed people and organizations to ensure that the impact of the donor's investment is long-lasting, effective and sustainable.
"It's a powerful opportunity for a special kind of donor - whether you call this venture philanthropy, social entrepreneurism or strategic giving - to be able to shape a gift that meets one's desires; to take a financial commitment and create something significant for you and your community," says Michael Allen, President and CEO of United Way/Centraide. "This new way of giving allows donors to be more connected to their investment and we're very excited about the possibilities."
"Today marks a milestone because we're unveiling an important gift to the community, as well as a new line of business for us," says Dave Seibel, Chair of United Way/Centraide Ottawa's Resource Development committee. "We are all absolutely thrilled about what the Greenberg family gift offers this community. We are also excited about what it represents - a new and very important way for donors to engage with United Way/Centraide to make a measurable difference in the 
community outside of the annual campaign."
The multi-year gift of $1 million over 10 years will be used in part to expand the after-school homework clubs in Banff Avenue and Confederation Court Community Houses. Working with the Greenberg family and partners including the Community Houses, Algonquin College, the University of Ottawa - Faculty of Education, The Harold Crabtree Foundation, the Ottawa Food Bank, Onotabee YMCA/YWCA Outdoor Day Camp, the South-East Ottawa Centre for a Healthy Community and the four Boards of Education, United Way/Centraide developed an enhanced homework club model that will better position 50 children each year to reach their full potential.
The Greenberg family is the first major donor to be part of this new way of investing through United Way/Centraide, and their gift will have a tremendous impact on the lives of Ottawa's children for years to come.
About United Way/Centraide Ottawa
United Way Ottawa's mission is to bring people and resources together to build a strong, healthy, safe, community for all. By bringing people together from all parts of our community to identify, develop and provide solutions to community needs, we promise that the donations we receive go where they are needed most. In 2008, United Way/Centraide made a record community investment to support more than 200 projects, programs and partnerships, in more than 100 community organizations.
For more information, please contact:
Kate Headley, United Way Ottawa
Phone: (613) 221-0063
E-mail: nbaker@unitedwayottawa.ca