Citing deep cuts in United Way funds, the Salvation Army of Massachusetts has ended its 70-year relationship with the grant-making giant’s regional chapter, according to The Boston Globe.
The Christian social-services group said its direct grant from the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley was set to drop to $171,000 next year, down 54 percent from three years ago. Salvation Army leaders “had to look at that and say, ‘What is happening with the relationship?’” said Maj. William Bode, a commander in the organization’s Massachusetts division.
Total United Way allocations to the Salvation Army, which include funds beyond the direct grants, increased in the 2009 fiscal year, according to tax records. Michael K. Durkin, president of the local United Way, said the group had recently concluded a review of Salvation Army programs and was planning to increase its share of donations in coming years.
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One Response to Mass. Salvation Army Severs Ties With Local United Way
mkanderson - August 30, 2010 at 5:00 pm
I work for United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley. For those interested in more information, we’ve posted a statement regarding the disaffiliation on our website at http://supportunitedway.org/press/2010/08/27/statement-salvation-army-disaffiliationUnited Way’s total investment in The Salvation Army was to be more than $415,000 (see statement for breakdown). United Way’s highest priority at this point is to ensure that Massachusetts children and families relying on the services that would have been provided by the investment are not affected by the Salvation Army’s decision. United Way is committed to finding the best way to leverage these funds to ensure Massachusetts children enter school ready to learn, youth graduate with options for the future, and families have the support they need to attain financial stability.For more information about how United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley reviews its partner organizations and invests the dollars entrusted to us, visit: http://supportunitedway.org/investments or email us at info @ supportunitedway.org