The United Way of West Alabama has set its most ambitious fundraising target in history, announcing a $4.8 million goal for its 2025 campaign.

The effort, unveiled during a kickoff luncheon at the Bryant Conference Center, drew hundreds of supporters from across the region. The nonprofit serves residents in a nine-county area and distributes funds to 30 partner agencies, ranging from the YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs to Habitat for Humanity, Turning Point, and the Tuscaloosa SAFE Center.

UWWA shared pictures from the event in a Facebook post.

Campaign Chair Josh Hayes told attendees that rising costs are driving the need for greater community support.

“This is the largest campaign goal ever, $4.8 million that we’re going to try and raise this year. We believe we’ll be successful because of the generous nature of this community. But we really need to meet this goal because prices are rising on everything and that does not discriminate across anyone in our community,” Hayes said, according to WBRC.

“Those that need it the most are really being hardest hit.”

UWWA leaders noted that one in four West Alabamians benefit from its programs each year, whether through youth education initiatives like Success By 6 or crisis support services such as the Tuscaloosa SAFE Center.

The 2025 campaign will run through November 15, with funds directed to agencies that provide direct assistance to families, children, and vulnerable residents across West Alabama.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].