During the past 30 years, Nichole Martin Reimer has been working to build community collaborations and solutions to improve lives. She began her nonprofit career as a Jesuit Volunteer in Texas bringing together the YMCA, Salvation Army, and local Rotary Clubs to develop mentoring and educational programs impacting youth from migrant communities and those experiencing homelessness.  

Upon moving back to her native Haverhill, Massachusetts in 1998, she began a career with United Way that has spanned several United Ways and included managing a volunteer center, growing the annual campaign evolving partnerships and initiating new efforts to increase inclusion and diversity. One of Reimer’s significant contributions has been leading the efforts to bring the 211 information and referral system to NH, which connects more than 165,000 residents with resources annually. 

At Granite United Way, Reimer has served as the architect of and implementing the Strategic Plan. As Chief Alignment Officer, she led fundraising efforts and worked cross functionally with the impact team to deliver more than $13 million in community support. Recently, she developed the responsive grant funding process providing nonprofits with multiple opportunities to seek funding for their most immediate needs.

Charla talks with Nichole about her role and the mission of the United Way, which includes engaging businesses, individual donors, and agencies in philanthropic activities to address community needs. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the challenges that nonprofits are currently facing, such as funding uncertainties and legal concerns. Nichole also highlights some of the innovative programs United Way is involved in, like Key Connect for housing and the 2-1-1 referral system, which connects people to essential services. The episode provides insights into the collaborative efforts among nonprofits to navigate financial and operational challenges, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and volunteerism.

Topics

00:40 Meet Nichole Reimer, CEO of Granite United Way

01:38 Nichole's Journey with United Way

03:43 United Way's Role and Impact

05:18 Programs and Initiatives by United Way

14:35 Challenges Faced by Nonprofits

27:25 Future Outlook and Opportunities

33:14 Closing Remarks and Future Conversations