City of Savannah employees, staff, and officials today announced the City’s 2027 fundraising goal to benefit the United Way of the Coastal Empire.

Team Savannah pledged to raise $142,912 to partner with UWCE’s efforts to Shine a Spotlight, this year’s theme, on the importance of meeting the needs of the community. Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, and Assistant City Manager Taffanye Young joined City of Savannah United Way Co-chairs and other members of Team Savannah to unveil this year’s fundraising goal with UWCE officials and others in attendance. The City also recognized its campaign planning team for months of preparation, planning, and partnership to make the fundraising kickoff a success.

“The power of partnership is exemplified when Team Savannah puts our money where our mouths are,” said Mayor Van R. Johnson, II. “I encourage each of our more than 2,600 employees to make the choice to give, no matter the amount. Every contribution matters, and together, our giving becomes something far greater than any one of us. It strengthens the work being done every day to meet the needs of our community and, hopefully, keeps the City of Savannah as the top government for annual giving.”

While this year’s fundraising goal for Team Savannah was originally $142,140, which is $4,140 more than last year’s goal of $138,000, Mayor Johnson, on the heels of a successful Savannah 912 Day campaign, and during an act of executive privilege, announced an increased goal amount of $142,912. In 2024, the City surpassed its giving goal by 25% and saw a 122% increase in volunteer giving in 2025.

“The City of Savannah is proud to support the United Way of the Coastal Empire. United Way serves the same families and communities we at the City serve on a daily basis, so giving to them is giving to our community,” said Assistant City Manager Taffanye Young. “Every dollar we give helps individuals and families, often at their greatest time of need.”

United Way recently announced a dedicated Community Fund goal of $5 million. All funds raised will be reinvested across the five-county region it serves. The Community fund helps United Way respond to the region's most pressing needs and invest in solutions that strengthen local communities. United Way supports and funds nonprofit programs, providing direct assistance via 211 call and county service centers, and connecting volunteers to causes that strengthen our community. 

Each year, the City of Savannah participates in an internal giving campaign, organized and driven by Staff, to encourage members of Team Savannah to give as an act of service to our community. Since 2018, Team Savannah has donated over $1,096,088, to the United Way through the annual campaign.