United Way System

The mission of United Way of America is “to improve people's lives by mobilizing the caring power of our communities.”

A Community-Based National Movement
United Way organizations across the country bring together financial resources, volunteers, human service agencies and community partners to make the greatest possible impact. The United Way system includes approximately 1,400 community-based United Way organizations. Each is independent, separately incorporated and governed by a local volunteer Board of Directors. United Way organizations address the most critical local issues and mobilize resources beyond pledged funds through annual fund-raising efforts.

Mobilizing the Caring Power of Communities
United Way organizations bring communities together to focus on the most important health and social service needs by building partnerships and leveraging resources to make a measurable difference. Focus Areas are identified at the local level and vary from community to community.

United Way of America is the national organization dedicated to leading the United Way movement in making measurable impact in every involved community in America. United Way of America invests in the programs and services that strengthen the ability of local United Way organizations to identify and build a coalition around a set of community priorities and measure success based on community impact.

United Way organizations ensure that each organization in which they invest is a non-profit, tax-exempt charity governed by volunteers and that each organization submits to an annual, independent financial audit, provides services at a reasonable cost and maintains a policy of non-discrimination. A vast network of volunteers and the simplicity of corporate payroll deduction keep administrative expenses low.