The United Way of Douglas County’s goal remains the same: Provide enough money for area agencies to meet the county’s social service, health and character-building needs.

Only this year, the method is different. When their annual fund-raising campaign officially kicks off in two weeks, United Way officials will be working to sign up more donors — and not necessarily higher donations — than the year before.

After falling $37,000 short of last year’s announced $1.462 million goal, officials this time are focusing on widespread support instead of a defined dollar amount.

“To the individual or business that’s thinking about donating, it’s their desire and willingness to participate that’s important,” said Ted Haggart, president of Douglas County Bank and chairman of this year’s campaign. “The total dollar number, I don’t think, is a motivating factor. If we have a broader base of support, then the dollars will take care of themselves.”

Drive volunteers are working to boost the agency’s donor rolls by at least 5 percent. Bringing more people into the fold would be expected to allow the United Way to at least reach last year’s campaign total of $1.425 million, which then was split among United Way agencies.

This year’s 28 agencies — from ARC of Douglas County to Van Go Mobile Arts — are feeling the effects of a sluggish economy and tightening grant programs from local, state and federal governments, Haggart said.

Broadening the United Way’s base of support in the private sector, he said, offers the best hope for insulating such pivotal community services from future financial pain.

“Once people become interested and supportive enough to donate, they tend to donate year after year,” Haggart said. “It’s almost a habit they get into. They make a donation, they feel good about it, they pay more attention to that organization and see the good results that come from it. And, as a result, they will donate again the following years, and often increase their donation as they have the ability to do so.

“We really want to continue building, not only for this year but for the future.”