LATHAM — Despite a downward turn in the economy, the United Way of the Greater Capital Region raised $9.9 million in its 2007-08 campaign, about the same amount pledged in the last couple of years.

The report on the 2008 campaign was given Tuesday at the organization’s annual breakfast at the Century House, held to recognize efforts by businesses and volunteers who worked on the campaign, which runs from July to December.

The money pledged came from a variety of sources. The largest portion, about $5.5 million, came from the United Way campaign, which includes businesses and other community organizations.

Of this amount, General Electric in Schenectady contributed $1.3 million and won the leadership in giving award because it pledged the most of any organization.

The Golub Corp., which received the excellence in giving award, raised more than $500,000 through its 23,000 employees.

“GE and Golub were about as strong as in the past, even with the downturn in the economy and issues with gas prices, food prices and other challenges,” said Herm Hill, vice president of marketing and communications for United Way of the Greater Capital Region.

In the federated campaign, state and federal employees pledged $3.2 million of the total raised.

The United Way of the Greater Capital Region also reached out to grantors and business partners for $1.2 million of the total.

“The United Way and our partners look at institutional problems that prevent individuals and families from becoming self-sufficient,” said Hill. “We also make sure we address day-to-day needs, like food, shelter and safety.”

The organization provides families with support systems that will help them become productive. “We try to eliminate domestic violence, truancy and eliminate family dysfunction issues and make the family structure solid,” said Hill.

It also offers financial help through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. This partnership, with 60 community organizations, provides volunteers to help individuals and families with free tax preparation, advice on financial and business planning and how to manage a household budget.

This year, with financial partners such as Key Bank and HSBC, it helped families obtain $8.7 million in tax refund credits they may have otherwise not known about, said Hill.

Volunteers helped hundreds of individuals. In Albany County, 3,389 returns were done; in Saratoga County, 2,751; in Schenectady County, 2, 159; in Rensselaer County, 1,694; and in Schoharie County, 524.

This month also marks the one-year anniversary of the merger of the United Way of Schenectady County and the United Way of Northeastern New York.

The new organization — the United Way of the Greater Capital Region — serves Saratoga, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Albany and Schoharie counties.

Hill said the consensus is that the consolidation has been successful, adding: “We are in position to continue to address the needs of the community. Volunteers are engaged and excited about the prospects of making a more significant impact in the greater Capital Region.”

Needs don’t end at the borders of a county, but cross communities. “By addressing and mobilizing community resources, we are better able to deal with the most significant issues that face the community and do it with an eye toward long-term solutions to domestic violence, illiteracy and truancy,” said Hill.

A public report will be available in September on the financial impacts of the consolidation.