Mankato United Way fundraising campaign aims to help more than 65,000 people in 2026

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - The United Way of Greater Mankato has achieved their annual campaign for the last 10 years running. About 75 services, which provide basic needs, health and education services, rely on that funding.

Executive Director Jean Keenan of Lifework Planning Center said, “Without those dollars we wouldn’t be able to serve women who are looking to enter and reenter the workforce after a major life transition.”

Keenan said they provide essential services for three to five hundred women every year. “We sit down with each participant and look at what are their unique needs, talents, the issues that they’re facing, and then we individualize the service to that person.”

Kennan says that personalized service wouldn’t be available without funding or partnerships with other services in the area.

“There are needs for clothing for example. Or housing, or a food shelf. We’re working with all of those different programs so that we can come along side and truly be a safety net for the entire community,” Keenan explained.

Laura Murray of the United Way says they have served more than 65 thousand people in 2024, and the number of people in need continues to rise.

“People are finding themselves in need that never were before. Whether it’s food insecurity, or it’s shelter or it’s mental health. Mental Health is the number one issue in our region currently,” Murray said.

The United Way raised its goal $100,000 more from last year, which will help the growing number of people in need.

They’re about 46% of the way to their goal of $2,450,000. Murray said, “It takes all of us working together.”

Here is the link to donate to the United Way of Greater Mankato.

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