The board of directors for the Montgomery County United Way voted Feb. 12 to merge with the United Way of Greater Houston.

The decision came after months of meetings and analysis, according to MCUW officials, who said the merger will form one regional organization. Determining factors in the decision included an increase in revenue, the opportunity to assist more people and local representation of the United Way of Greater Houston board, according to the MCUW.

The next step in the process was a member vote at MCUW’s annual meeting on Feb. 24 in The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center.

“[A member] is every donor who has given within the last year,” said Julie Adcock, vice president of marketing for MCUW. “We have legal language that we’ll publish on exactly who qualifies as a member.”

Any company or individual who has given to MCUW in the last year from the date of the meeting announcement qualifies as a donor. Two-thirds of MCUW members must vote in favor of the merger for the process to move forward.

Results of the vote were unknown as of press time.

If the merger moves forward, donations that benefit Montgomery County will still be used to serve individuals and programs in Montgomery County, according to MCUW officials.

Additionally, the bylaws of the United Way of Greater Houston will be amended so Montgomery County has four seats on the board, including one on the executive committee. The UWGH has more than 25 trustees on its board and 15 executive committee members.

The date on which the merger would go into effect if approved has not yet been announced.

For more details and member information, visit www.mcuw.org/vote.