The United Way System

United Way Worldwide is the leadership and support organization for the network of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in 45 countries and territories. They advance the common good by focusing on improving education, helping people achieve financial stability, and promoting healthy lives, and by mobilizing millions of people to give, advocate, and volunteer to improve the conditions in which they live. The mission of United Way Worldwide is: “To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good.”

 
 
A Community-Based Worldwide Movement
United Way organizations across the world bring together financial resources, volunteers, human service agencies and community partners to make the greatest possible impact. The United Way system includes approximately 1,800 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 Worldwide is dedicated to leading the United Way movement in making a measurable impact in every involved global community. United Way Worldwide 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 Partner Agency 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.
 
For more information about United Way Worldwide, please visit United Way Worldwide’s website.