United Way of Etowah County kicks off its 2026 campaign Aug. 27

United Way of Etowah County kicks off its 2026 campaign with a luncheon Thursday, Aug. 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cola Warehouse, 644 Walnut Street in Gadsden. The event is where the year’s fundraising goal is announced.

GADSDEN, AL: United Way of Etowah County will launch its 2026 fundraising campaign later this month with a kickoff luncheon downtown.

The Building Brighter Futures Campaign Kick Off Luncheon is set for Thursday, Aug. 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cola Warehouse, 644 Walnut Street.

The venue is a change from last year, when the organization held its kickoff at Gadsden State Community College’s Beck Conference Center. The timing is nearly identical, though. Last year’s luncheon fell on Thursday, Aug. 28.

What happens at the kickoff?

The luncheon is the formal start of the annual giving season, and it is where United Way announces the dollar goal it intends to raise over the coming year. Until that announcement, the 2026 target is not public.

The event typically features the incoming campaign chair, the outgoing chair and the executive director, along with business leaders, volunteers and representatives of the agencies United Way funds. Businesses that have already committed early gifts, sometimes called pacesetters, are often recognized at the luncheon as well.

Misti Kerr chaired the 2025-26 campaign, taking over from Courtney Linam, who led the year before. GadsdenThrive has asked United Way who will chair the 2026 effort.

Where does the money go?

United Way of Etowah County does not run most of the programs it funds. It raises money and distributes it to partner agencies across the county that handle direct services.

The organization describes its focus as children and families, with an emphasis on health, financial stability and education. In its 2023 campaign, United Way of Etowah County reported supporting 33 partner agencies countywide, serving groups including older adults, children, people experiencing homelessness and people managing illness.

The scale of the annual ask has been substantial. The 2023 campaign carried a goal of $1,017,000.

How do people give?

Most of the money comes through workplace campaigns. An employer runs a campaign internally and employees give through payroll deduction, which spreads a gift across the year rather than requiring it all at once.

The organization also runs a Leadership Giving Society for larger donors, which it frames as a commitment of $20 per week.

Businesses interested in running a workplace campaign, and individuals wanting to give or volunteer, can reach Executive Director Molli Gipson at 256-547-2581 or through the organization’s website at uwoec.org.

United Way of Etowah County is listed in the GadsdenThrive community directory.

Why does the kickoff matter locally?

The campaign total sets the funding available to dozens of local nonprofits for the following year. Agencies that depend on that allocation build their own budgets around it, so a campaign that falls short of goal has effects well past the United Way office.

That makes the number announced Aug. 27 worth watching, and worth comparing against what the organization has raised in past years.

GadsdenThrive is seeking the 2026 goal, the current partner agency list and last year’s campaign result from United Way of Etowah County, and will report those figures when they are available.

United Way kickoff FAQ

When and where is the luncheon?
Thursday, Aug. 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Cola Warehouse, 644 Walnut Street in Gadsden.

What is the 2026 campaign goal?
It has not been announced. The goal is typically revealed at the kickoff.

Who runs United Way of Etowah County?
Molli Gipson is the executive director.

How can a business get involved?
Through a workplace campaign using payroll deduction. Contact United Way at 256-547-2581.

Is the luncheon open to the public?
Attendance, sponsorship and ticket details are handled by United Way. Contact the office directly.

What does United Way of Etowah County fund?
Partner agencies across the county working in health, financial stability and education, with a focus on children and families.