Our current Board Chair, Steve Cundall, has been involved with the United Way since 1980, inspired by the mission and giving through workplace campaigns in the Worcester and Central MA areas, where he lived and worked at the time. When Steve and his wife Pam (also a longtime United Way supporter) moved to the Cape full time, they were invited to learn more about the Cape & Islands United Way, and the rest, as they say, is history.
How did you first become involved with the Cape and Islands United Way?
Pam and I were invited to a Best Night celebration by Rick and Donna Morris. I remember a young gentleman who shared what a profound difference the program funded by the United Way made in his life. And I was like, well, you had me at hello! So after several Best Nights, Donna approached me about a board position. I was happy to be asked – I was honored to be asked - so I jumped right in.
What's your personal take on the work we do?
The big thing that's different about the United Way is, that with some exceptions, we really don't deliver direct services — our role is to find and support the organizations that have the most impact in our communities. And sometimes through collaboration, we can connect multiple organizations to do even more. So that part of it is really fulfilling, in that we play more of a strategic role. I’ve seen what effort goes into vetting the organizations to make sure that we were doing the right thing, and I am so impressed and proud of that. For the most recent community impact grants, volunteers from all different parts of the community are involved. It’s so collaborative, and look at that bigger picture and try to weave together the right resources for people to make their lives better. I really I think we're doing a good job with that.
I’ve seen what effort goes into vetting the organizations to make sure that we were doing the right thing, and I am so impressed and proud of that.
Is there an initiative or project that you're involved with in your capacity as board chair that you're particularly passionate about?
Yes - a couple of things stand out. Structurally we are expanding our board, and finding ways to tap into their collective strengths, When you leverage people’s strengths, it truly energizes them, they are more engaged, and they give more. To me, that is rewarding.
We’re also working on strengthening our volunteer base, because that's how we can get more done. That’s a big focus of mine — to re-energize and rebuild our volunteers, so that together, we can make a bigger impact.
In the years you've been involved, how have you seen the organization change?
I have to say, the core of what we do has not really changed much — we stay true to our mission. Every day, we’re still working to find that right combination of solutions that can impact the community the most. And I think we do that really well. So, you know, I'm glad that hasn't changed.
What has changed, though, is the thinking behind giving. People want to know where their money is going. They want to know what our nonprofit partners do, and how they serve the community. People ask more questions today. And that's a good thing. We need to make sure that our donors are connected, and understand more about the programs that we fund so that they can feel good about their contributions.
Every day, we’re still working to find that right combination of solutions that can impact the community the most.
If the Cape & Islands United Way were to be on the cover of your favorite newspaper magazine in five years, what would the story be about?
The story would be about us as thought leaders in helping local nonprofits to be more successful. Because we understand what's going on here in the community. And we’ve had great examples of that recently. The fuel assistance grant from National Grid is one — trusting us to manage that process let us know that they trust our connections, experience and knowledge of our community to find out who is in need and put that money to work.
Where do you see the biggest opportunity for growth?
Engaging the business community — more than we already do — presents a massive opportunity for the Cape & Islands United Way, because we are primarily a small business economy. I'm really passionate about that, probably because I'm part of that community. In fact, many of our current and past board members are small business owners.
I think this community tends to be generous because often times, their employees utilize the services our partner agencies provide. We’re very connected with the challenges of living and working here, and because it impacts us every day.
When you’re not running your business and volunteering your time to the United Way, what do you like to do?
I do spend the majority of my time on our growing business, and of course, our three kids and seven grandkids! After those two things, there's just a little time. So when I get out on the boat and do some fishing, that's my passion outside of my work and my family.