United Way of Central Iowa yesterday announced that it is extending its annual campaign one month to mid-January 2010 in an effort to battle what it called a “one-two punch” to local nonprofit organizations.

Nonprofits facing reduced public funding and the burdens of the economic recession could also be staring at a decline in funding from many United Way chapters and charities that are experiencing double-digit declines in contributions. United Way of Central Iowa is projecting a decline in contributions of between 2 and 4 percent.

Just this month the city of Des Moines announced it had to cut $715,000 in funding for nonprofits.

“United Way believes in its responsibility to partially bridge the gap, to help the people in our community who need it most,” said United Way of Central Iowa CEO Shannon Cofield.

The organization hopes that extending the campaign through the holiday season will help it tap into the holiday spirit and year-end giving. United Way of Central Iowa announced a campaign goal of $25.1 million in September but hopes to exceed that goal in an effort to help support the nonprofits that are struggling for financial support.

“While United Way focuses on long-term community goals in education, income and health, every dollar raised beyond our $25.1 million goal this campaign will go directly to meet the basic needs for people in our community,” Cofield said.

Suku Radia, Bankers Trust Co. CEO and 2009 United Way campaign chair, urged the community to make additional contributions.

“There are people in our community who are homeless and do not have food. Organizations that help these people are stretched beyond their limits,” Radia said. “Now is the time when each among us must step up to help.”

To learn about making a tax-deductible year-end contribution, go to the United Way’s Web site: www.weliveunited.org.