Approximately 40 employees of United Way Worldwide will be leaving their positions within six weeks after being offered voluntary buyouts, the Chronicle of Philanthropy reports. 

According to an email obtained by the Chronicle that was sent earlier this week by United Way CEO Angela Williams to staff of the Alexandria, Virginia, organization, a revenue shortfall “coupled with technology investments, which had good intent but did not meet expectations,” left the organization in a difficult financial situation. As a result of the shortfall, the organization offered voluntary buyouts to all employees. The email did not specify the nature of the technology investments, and it remains unclear whether more departures are expected. The departures are in addition to the 19 staff reductions in 2021 resulting from attrition, voluntary agreements, and position elimination.

The organization issued a response to the Chronicle’s story: “Angela Williams, as the new President and CEO, was brought in to do two things for United Way Worldwide during this pivotal moment in our history: Right the ship on some internal challenges and ensure that we’re looking to the horizon so that we remain as impactful as ever. United Way has been around for 135 years. People know our work and the value we bring to communities. Her job is to help provide the leadership and the resources to ensure that we are built for the future, and she couldn’t be more excited for the work ahead.”

(Photo Credit: Getty Images/Maksim Safaniuk)