United Way Launches 2026 Campaign in Rochester

Nonprofit aims to raise $17 million to support Finger Lakes region

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:55am

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The United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes announced its 2026 fundraising campaign, seeking to build on the $16.7 million raised in 2025 to continue providing support and services across 6 counties in the Finger Lakes region.

Why it matters

The United Way's annual campaign is a major community effort that brings together individual donors, corporate partners, and local organizations to fund critical social services and programs. This year's campaign aims to maintain and expand the nonprofit's impact during a time of ongoing economic uncertainty.

The details

The 2026 campaign will feature a new 'Changemaker Challenge' where 5 community partners have pledged to match donations up to $325,000. ESL Federal Credit Union and Five Star Bank have also contributed $350,000 in 'challenge grants' for leadership donors. United Way also announced that Ed Hourihan, managing partner at one of the Changemaker Challenge partners, Bond, Schoeneck & King, will serve as the 2026 campaign chair.

  • The 2026 campaign was announced on January 28, 2026.
  • The 2025 campaign raised $16.7 million.

The players

United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes

A nonprofit organization that provides support and services across 6 counties in the Finger Lakes region of New York.

Jaime Saunders

CEO and President of the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes.

Ed Hourihan

Managing partner at Bond, Schoeneck & King, one of the Changemaker Challenge partners, and the 2026 campaign chair for the United Way.

ESL Federal Credit Union

A community bank that contributed $350,000 in 'challenge grants' for the United Way's 2026 campaign.

Five Star Bank

A regional bank that contributed $350,000 in 'challenge grants' for the United Way's 2026 campaign.

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What they’re saying

“The Annual Campaign shows us what's possible when individual acts of generosity become collective power. Last year, during a time of real uncertainty, this community showed the caring power it holds.”

— Jaime Saunders, CEO and President, United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes

What’s next

Additional information about the United Way of Rochester and the Finger Lakes efforts, how to support the campaign, and volunteer opportunities can be found on the organization's website.

The takeaway

The United Way's 2026 campaign aims to build on the previous year's success and continue providing vital support and services to communities across the Finger Lakes region, demonstrating the power of collective generosity in times of uncertainty.