While local United Way organizations are anticipating a tough fund-raising campaign in light of the slumping economy, they are still setting the bar high.

        Tuesday marked the kickoff for several of the organizations, including the United Way of Greater Cincinnati and the Warren County United Way. Butler County United Way's kickoff is Friday morning.

        “We think it's going to be a tough campaign,” said Monica Gerhardt, Warren County United Way campaign and communications director, referring to company cutbacks and layoffs triggered by economic decline. “That's probably one of our greatest concerns.”

        The Warren County campaign hopes to raise $2.35 million, more than six percent more than the $2.2 million goal last year. The money goes to more than 30 agencies.

        The United Way of Greater Cincinnati also acknowledged several fund-raising challenges during its kickoff at Fountain Square Tuesday. It set its goal at $62 million — up from last year's goal of slightly more than $60 million. The figure includes a Northern Kentucky regional goal of $4 million.

        Early campaigning already has raised 26.6 percent of this money, which goes to more than 170 agencies and initiatives.

        “If ever there was a time for organized giving in Greater Cincinnati, it is now,” campaign chair Dave Calhoun, president and CEO of GE Aircraft Engines, said in a release. “The challenge we face arises primarily from things we can't control — economic uncertainty, higher unemployment, depressed stock values and one-time gifts.”

        Last year's Warren County goal was slightly exceeded, but this year brings new challenges — mainly economic uncertainty that has forced some companies to cut staff.

        Another challenge has been competing for donations with the post-Sept. 11 fund-raising drives.

        “When there's a crisis, people divert their donations and try to solve that crisis,” Ms. Gerhardt said. “But what we like to remind people is that the need in their community does not go away.”

        Amtex was one of the companies that participated in Warren County's Pacesetter program, which started fundraising in August to get the campaign drive started. The Lebanon-based car carpeting manufacturer saw people donating fewer dollars at their campaign drive.

        “We're a little down from last year, but we did pretty good,” said Melody Byrom, an Amtex human resources administrator who helped oversee fundraising.

        The company raised $35,212.

        The pacesetter fundraising helped raise more than $160,000 — roughly 7 percent of the Warren County United Way's goal.

        To help achieve their goals, some campaigns — including the one being launched by Butler County United Way this week — are targeting large businesses that have not donated in the past.

        Butler County is not announcing its goal until Friday's kickoff, but resource development director Theressa Griggs said it was larger than last year's goal of $2.25 million. The organization did not achieve that goal, but officials are confident they will raise this year's money before the campaign ends Nov. 1.

        The money is given to 26 agencies and 44 programs countywide.

        “Most United Ways see their greatest success when the economy is low and people are getting laid off,” Ms. Griggs said. “People see these things happening locally and want to help.”

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