What is United Way?
United Way is the largest Non Profit Organization in the world which receives contributions in excess of $5.0 Billion annually. It has members in 47 countries and territories outside of the United States with over 3,000 community-based independent member organizations. United Way’s focus is to improve Health, Education and Livelihood in the communities it is present. The organization mobilized more than two million volunteers across the world in 2007.

United Way is a global network of more than 3,000 local non-profit organizations operating in 47 countries and territories that work to advance the common good of communities by focusing on education, income and health. These are the building blocks for a good life: a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health.
Through their commitment to and demonstration of effectiveness, transparency and accountability, United Ways were able to raise a total of US$ 5 billion last year.

How is United Way different?

United Ways are not a one-issue organization.. we address the most important human needs of our community - those which are most likely to improve overall quality of life. This can mean youth education in some places, bringing health and dignity to the elderly in others, helping those affected by HIV/AIDS, improving clean water and sanitation, and many more.

We are not an international development organization... each United Way organization is part of a global network, but it is founded and run by people from that home community. Decisions are made locally, resources are raised locally, and results are achieved locally.

We are not an association... we are people from a single community who seek to promote their shared interests.

How Does United Way Work?
A United Way organization seeks to......
improve the lives of individuals and families

by working with partners in many sectors:
» individuals, businesses, social services, non-profit agencies, government departments, etc.

to identify the root causes of community conditions: » public attitudes, historical trends, neighborhood conditions, family dynamics, government service practices - e.g. in education, health care and more.

In order to decide together » which are the key issues to address, » who are the affected populations to be targeted, and » what to do about these challenges, for example: influence public attitudes, systems and policies; strengthen network of services, build the capacity of nonprofits and the community, etc.

so that each partner can take responsibility for one part of the work;

and can mobilize a wide range of community assets  money, goods and services, relationships, expertise, volunteer time

to improve community conditions over the long-term;in measurable ways, meaning specific results for specific populations.