United Way of Cullman County transitions to leadership donor model for 2026 campaign

CULLMAN,

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Ala. – United Way of Cullman County has transitioned away from its Business Alliance program and returned to a leadership donor model as the organization enters its 2026 campaign year, according to the organization. 

The decision came after a period of reflection on how best to recognize community support while remaining focused on United Way’s core mission and long-term community impact. 

UWCC stated leadership giving is structured to support the entire community by funding all partner agencies and advancing four focus areas, healthy community, community resiliency, financial security and youth opportunity. 

By returning to the leadership donor model, the organization said it will be better positioned to respond to needs where they are greatest and to ensure lasting impact across Cullman and Winston counties. 

Under the leadership giving structure, donors may contribute in either their business name or family name and receive year-round recognition on United Way of Cullman County’s website, with additional quarterly recognition shared on social media, the organization said. 

The organization said donors who contribute $500 or more annually are recognized as leadership donors and are invited to participate in the 2026 campaign through a newly released Community Partner Pledge Form. 

Leadership giving levels outlined in the pledge form include the Builders Society at $500 to $999, Red Feather Society at $1,000 to $1,999, Silver Feather Society at $2,000 to $3,499, Gold Feather Society at $3,500 to $4,999, Platinum Feather Society at $5,000 to $9,999 and the Tocqueville Society at $10,000 or more annually, according to United Way of Cullman County. 

Multiple payment options are available through the pledge form, including payroll deduction, cash or check, credit card payments, billing options and gifts of stock or securities, according to UWCC. 

Payroll deductions may be scheduled weekly, monthly or biweekly over 12, 26 or 52 pay periods, while billing options may be arranged on a monthly or quarterly basis for qualifying pledges, according to the organization. 

UWCC encourages donors to make undesignated gifts to allow funds to be distributed where needs are greatest, though donors may designate gifts to specific partner agencies or initiatives if they choose. 

In addition to outlining giving options, the pledge form highlights the organization’s 211 resource line, which connects individuals and families to assistance related to housing, utilities, food and caregiving, according to UWCC. 

UWCC is located at 104 Austin Ave. SW in Cullman, with a mailing address of P.O. Box 116, Cullman, AL 35056, and additional information about leadership giving is available by contacting the organization at 256-739-2948. Find out more at www.uwaycc.org.