On April 15, United Way board members met for our annual Planning and Goal-Setting session. We reviewed our mission and progress toward last year’s goals and discussed results from the recently completed Thriving United Way assessment. Developed by United Way Worldwide, this self-assessment helps local United Ways identify strengths and opportunities for improvement. The Thriving United Framework is a shared blueprint for what strong, effective, future-ready United Ways look like, created in partnership with the United Way network to reflect work happening in communities nationwide. The framework focuses on six areas: Community Leadership; Equitable Community Impact; Brand Strength, Awareness, and Relevance; Diversified Revenue Streams; and Network Citizenship. Based on this discussion, the Board set four goals for the coming year: expand partnerships with local businesses to increase awareness, broaden ways to support Merrill Area United Way, research establishing an endowment fund, and continue collaborative efforts to expand local volunteer opportunities.
We are currently partnering with the Aware and Active Citizens Group and the Lincoln County Health Department to better understand local volunteerism needs. We conducted three surveys: one for community members interested in volunteering, one for nonprofits seeking volunteers, and one for area businesses to gauge interest in employee volunteer opportunities, identify barriers, and learn how we can better support meaningful community engagement. We need more responses from local businesses—please complete the brief 5–7-minute survey at https://forms.gle/wCAutWni9TST8c2w7. Your feedback will help shape future resources and initiatives.
Need help, but not sure where to turn? United Way’s 211 is a free, confidential service that connects you with thousands of local programs and resources. Reach 211 in the way that feels most comfortable: call 211 to speak with a trained community resource specialist 24/7, search 211Wisconsin.org, chat at 211Wisconsin.org, or text your ZIP code to 898211.
Each year, Merrill Area United Way helps fund 211 services locally through United Way of Marathon County, our regional 211 contact center. In 2025, 211 answered 324 requests from Lincoln County residents and provided 802 referrals to community resources.
Remember, donations to Merrill Area United Way are accepted year-round, and all dollars stay local to help your neighbors, family, and friends. To donate, send checks to Merrill Area United Way, PO Box 813, Merrill, WI 54452, or donate via STRIPE at https://donate.stripe.com/aEU6pq6m4fU36ZO9AA