United way changes fundraising

United Way of East Central Alabama will not have  a fundraising goal this year, opting instead to work to better inform the public on how donations are spent.

The Anniston-based nonprofit, which provides money to 28 nonprofits in Calhoun, Cleburne and Randolph counties, skipped its tradition of announcing a fundraising goal at its annual kickoff event Tuesday. United Way officials say they want to focus on explaining to donors how their money will be spent more than on a requested dollar amount. Some nonprofit advocates say more nonprofits are moving toward that strategy to better compete for money in the face of declining donations and grants.