United Way of King County said it has raised $101.2 million through its annual campaign, making it the leading United Way in the country for fundraising.

Donations were about flat with last year's total of $101.8 million. The organization has consistently ranked number one even as totals have fluctuated with the economy. In 2008, the total raised was $116 million, following a record $121 million in 2007.

The drive ended June 30 with former Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Scott Carson as its chairman. The United Way credited him for helping keep the campaign on track despite "an extremely difficult fundraising climate."

"This hasn't been an easy climate for businesses or non-profits alike," said Jon Fine, the United Way of King County's chief executive.

One change from last year was a decrease in unrestricted funds given directly to United Way. More donors designated funds to specific programs and organizations that United Way supports. Of the total, donors gave United Way $35.5 million in unrestricted funds this year, down from $41.1 million last year.

The United Way wants to keep growing its pool of unrestricted funds, said spokesman Jared Erlandson. Those funds help it respond quickly when new issues arise, such as last year's shortage of emergency food supplies, and coordinate with companies, governments and other nonprofits, he said.

The organization is focusing on volunteers to help people in need and to offset operating costs, which are about 3.2 percent of the organization's budget. This year, for example, more than 600 volunteers prepared 14,000 federal tax returns at no charge for low and middle-income families.

"There is no better way to communicate United Way's impact in the community than to have someone see it first hand as a volunteer," Fine said.

Next year's campaign is being led by Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith and SonoSite General Counsel Kathy Surace-Smith, who are married. Contributions from Microsoft, Boeing, Safeco Insurance Foundation and The Seattle Foundation have helped them raise $9 million so far.