Working with a variety of people. Seeing results and knowing his contribution is making a positive impact on the larger community. Inviting others to join him in giving. These are a few of the reasons why Jim Grandorf, Clinical Professor of Accounting at the IU Kelley School of Business, volunteers with United Way of Monroe County.
As the Chair of our Leadership Giving program, Jim has impressively grown involvement and contributions through the years. And his work as lead for the IU Kelley School of Business fundraising campaign has contributed to significantly increased donations.
Jim shows what it means to Live United every day. And for him that means being part of a broad effort of people working together to make our community better.
Early on Jim recognized United Way was different because of our focus on outcomes and on solving larger societal issues, not just treating symptoms. "A great thing about United Way is that it helps organizations find ways to prevent problems, which has a tremendous payback for the community," said Jim. He also appreciates how we bring organizations together to help people get through a difficult time and into a place where they don't need to rely on services.
At the local level, Jim has been active with United Way for 16 years. And when combined with his work in other communities, Jim has been actively involved with United Way for 30 years, and a contributor for 50 years. He first started volunteering for United Way at Exxon Mobil, then took the helm of the New Jersey branch fundraising steering committee. Not surprisingly, under his leadership, employee contributions increased substantially.
Since his retirement from Exxon and move back to Bloomington, Jim has been an energetic part of the United Way of Monroe County campaign. He credits his success to helping people understand the value of their donation and helping them feel comfortable giving in any capacity. When talking with others, his enthusiasm for the work and outcomes of United Way is clear. And because United Way touches the lives of so many in our community, Jim is able to make a meaningful and personal connection with existing and potential donors.
In his free time, Jim can be found playing golf. He has played in the John Deere Classic Pro-Am for several years and has had the opportunity to play alongside Steve Stricker, Ben Crenshaw, and Mark Calcavecchia among others.
A huge thanks to Jim and Joyce Grandorf for all they do to make a difference in the lives of community members and strengthen United Way. Thanks for choosing to Live United!
