Driving Strategic Change for Community Needs

The merger marks a significant milestone in local nonprofit collaboration, reflecting both changing sector dynamics and increasing demands for effective regional service delivery. The new United Way organization will operate dual headquarters in Alexandria and Fergus Falls, allowing it to maintain strong local connections while harnessing shared resources.

Leading this new chapter is Jen Jabas, who remains at the helm, having previously served as Executive Director for United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties for nine years. Jabas emphasized the power of collective action in a recent statement: “This merger allows us to build on the strong foundation we’ve created in each county and take a broader, more unified approach to community impact. Over the past nine years, I’ve seen the power of local people coming together to solve local challenges. Now, with the depth of resources and ideas from a larger team, we can do even more to support the families and individuals who call our region home.”

Why the Merger? Strength in Numbers for Local Communities

The decision to combine the two United Way affiliates comes amid a growing national trend of nonprofit mergers aimed at maximizing operational efficiency, broadening donor bases, and delivering more comprehensive programs. According to the National Council of Nonprofits, such strategic partnerships can conserve administrative costs by as much as 20% and generate increased funding opportunities for core services.

For the participating Minnesota offices, the merger was motivated by:

• A desire to pool expertise from dedicated staff and board members
• Increased flexibility to address urgent or emerging community needs
• Greater ability to secure state and federal grant funding
• A unified strategy for addressing issues such as poverty, education, and health

The new organizational structure features a combined board representing both legacy United Ways, blending experience and local leadership from each county. This diversity ensures that every community will have a voice at the table as the organization adapts to pressing local issues, including housing insecurity, food access, early childhood development, and workforce needs.

What Changes and What Stays the Same?

One immediate effect of the merger is a rebranding process: the organization is currently exploring a new name that better reflects its expanded five-county service area. Despite this transition, community members, donors, and partner agencies can continue to contact staff in both Alexandria and Fergus Falls with questions relating to donations, local programs, or payment processes.

Importantly, funds raised in each region will continue to be directed back into those communities. Core United Way initiatives like the 211-helpline resource, ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data analysis, and targeted grant programs for area nonprofits will remain a focus. The unified organization aims to amplify its impact by investing in evidence-driven solutions and expanding successful pilot programs across county lines.

Nonprofit Merger Trends and the United Way Network

Nonprofit mergers are on the rise nationally, with groups like United Way Worldwide encouraging local chapters to consider regional consolidation when it yields clear benefits. In the Twin Cities metro area and Greater Minnesota, similar strategic partnerships have allowed United Ways to reduce duplicative overhead and increase programmatic investments. According to United Way Worldwide’s 2024 annual report, consolidated affiliates have achieved a 15% annual increase in funding over the past three years and delivered services to 30% more households in their regions.

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits likewise reports a steady uptick in organizational alliances in the past decade, spurred by the need for financial resilience and broader service range after the COVID-19 pandemic increased local demands and stretched resources thin.

Looking Forward: Commitment to Local Impact

Moving forward, the unified United Way’s mission remains rooted in a commitment to collaboration, equity, and sustainable impact. The organization has prioritized ensuring localized attention despite regional coordination. This means decision-making, program design, and funding allocations will remain guided by community needs assessments and continuous feedback from residents and local leaders.

The organization has already signaled its intent to expand partnerships with county governments, school districts, health providers, and business leaders. As a recipient and distributor of major philanthropic support in the region, United Way’s unified platform will be critical in addressing rural challenges including mental health, child care shortages, educational attainment, and affordable housing.

Jabas summarized this vision: “We believe the best solutions come when communities work together, drawing on the strengths of all our people. United is the Way to build stronger, more connected communities.”

How to Get Involved

As the transition continues, donors, volunteers, and community partners are encouraged to stay engaged—whether through giving, advocacy, or participation in upcoming events and needs assessments. For updates on the legal name change, new initiatives, or to learn how you can help, visit the organization’s website or reach out to local United Way offices.