United Way of Greater Rochester Aims for $17M in 2026 Campaign

The nonprofit organization hopes to surpass last year's $16M fundraising total.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The United Way of Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes has launched its 2026 fundraising campaign, setting a goal of $17 million. The organization raised over $16 million in the previous year, and the new campaign chair, Ed Hourihan of Bond, Schoeneck & King, expressed confidence in reaching the $17 million target. The funds raised will support communities across six counties in the region.

Why it matters

The United Way of Greater Rochester is a vital nonprofit that provides critical services and support to those in need across the region. Its annual fundraising campaign is a key indicator of the community's generosity and willingness to come together to address pressing social issues.

The details

The United Way of Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes announced the launch of its 2026 fundraising campaign, aiming to raise $17 million. This goal exceeds the $16 million the organization raised in the previous year, which Jaime Saunders, the President and CEO, described as a testament to the community's generosity despite the challenges of the past year. Ed Hourihan, the managing partner at Bond, Schoeneck & King, has been named the campaign chair and expressed confidence in reaching the $17 million target.

  • The United Way of Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes launched its new campaign for the year on January 28, 2026.

The players

United Way of Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes

A nonprofit organization that provides critical services and support to communities across six counties in the Rochester, New York region.

Jaime Saunders

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

Ed Hourihan

The managing partner at Bond, Schoeneck & King, who has been named the 2026 campaign chair for the United Way of Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our community is so generous, it really defies all of the odds in a year that was so hard, so many challenges, so much unknown, so much was upside down it felt like, our community really showed up so we are just blown away.”

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

“I have full confidence that we will reach our $17 million goal.”

— Ed Hourihan, Managing Partner, Bond, Schoeneck & King

What’s next

The United Way of Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes will continue its fundraising efforts throughout 2026 to reach its $17 million goal.

The takeaway

The United Way of Greater Rochester's ambitious fundraising target for 2026 demonstrates the community's ongoing commitment to supporting critical social services and programs, even in the face of challenges. This annual campaign is a testament to the power of collective generosity to make a meaningful impact.