Concord/Berlin – The success of the 2010 merger of four independent New Hampshire United Ways that led to the formation of Granite United Way was so encouraging to the Board of Directors of the United Way of Northern New Hampshire (UWNNH) that they recently voted to also become part of the organization.  As of February 1, Granite United Way will now serve over half a million residents in NH and VT and cover nearly 75% of the state’s geographic territory.  The current United Way office on Main Street in Berlin will remain open. 

The addition of the United Way of Northern New Hampshire to the organization was a logical step in creating various efficiencies that will improve program offerings and maximize donor dollars in the communities served with all fundraising and fund distribution remaining local. In addition, each regional office will have the added resource of utilizing one another to further develop strategic fundraising campaigns and initiatives all with the ultimate goal of creating lasting change and having a significant, positive impact on the community.

Considering the challenges not-for-profits continue to face, this merger is extremely timely.  ”Reductions in funding, decreased endowments and an increased need for services are all stressing our not-for-profit safety net. As an organization in a leadership role, United Way knows that by coming together we can build upon our individual strengths to better address the needs in our communities,” said Patrick Tufts, President  & CEO of Granite United Way. 

In its first year, Granite United Way has seen many accomplishments; raising more money, streamlining various initiatives and decreasing their cost of doing business. Extending the organization’s service area to the northernmost parts of the state allows for increased program offerings, greater fundraising acumen and better technology.  There are plans to hire a fundraising professional to work out of the Berlin office immediately. 

 “As we all know, there are many individuals and families in need of assistance in our community.  Ideally, this will allow us to not only better serve them, but to increase the number we are currently serving,” says Rolanda Duchesne, UWNNH Executive Director. Duchesne will remain with the organization working with program partners and leading the community investment work in the region. Additionally, a member of the former United Way of Northern New Hampshire Board of Directors will represent the region on the Granite United Way Board.

United Ways in New Hampshire have a history of working together to develop programs and initiatives that impact the entire state including its 2-1-1 NH information and referral service, volunteer income tax assistance preparation sites and literacy partnerships with local schools.

“As a United Way donor and volunteer, I am excited to see that Granite United Way continues to grow and United Ways in the state continue to work together to generate and invest more dollars in local programming,” says Granite United Way Board Chair, Cathleen Schmidt.


Granite United Way is an experienced and trusted organization dedicated to leveraging the resources of investors and volunteers to create lasting change by addressing the underlying causes of our community’s most pressing needs.  Granite United Way is committed to improving the lives of individuals and families by supporting programs in the areas of education, income and health.  Granite United Way works with over 1,000 companies, 22,000 investors and thousands of volunteers every year to make our communities a better place.

Granite United Way serves the Southern (Manchester/Derry/Salem), Merrimack County, North Country and Upper Valley Regions of NH and VT as well as Windsor County, VT.