Get to know the new United Way

United Way of Greater Charlotte, one of the region’s largest nonprofits, is reinventing itself to better serve the community.

The background: For more than 90 years, United Way of Greater Charlotte (formerly United Way of Central Carolinas) has addressed the Charlotte region’s complex economic challenges and social disparities across Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Union and Anson counties.

Looking ahead: With a new name and strategy, United Way of Greater Charlotte will invest in neighborhoods and grassroots organizations to lift families out of poverty and improve economic mobility.

We spoke with Laura Yates Clark, President and CEO, to learn more about the new United Way.

What is the new United Way?

The new United Way is:

• Boldly investing in “what if.”
  Courageously speaking the truth.
  Shining the light on core issues.
  Bravely trying new paths.
  Moving together with hope.

What this means: The organization will hold itself accountable while accomplishing more with bold solutions.

What is United Way’s mission?

The new United Way is fueled by a passion to create lasting change by addressing complex problems such as economic mobility and racial inequality.

In other words: United Way uses collective giving to improve the odds for children and families, primarily through neighborhood-based and grassroots solutions.

What are some of the impacts United Way has had on the community?

In 2023, United Way will invest more than $16 million in greater Charlotte to end poverty and improve economic mobility.

Here’s how: United Way raises funds to support more than 100 nonprofits serving people in neighborhoods across greater Charlotte.

• United Way provides critical operating support so that these nonprofits can focus on their missions and the people they serve.

Even better: This investment is also providing housing and services for people experiencing homelessness.

What are United Way’s key initiatives?

United Neighborhoods, Unite Charlotte and A Home for All.

What does United Neighborhoods focus on?

United Neighborhoods works with residents of our region’s most disinvested areas to create change on the neighborhood level.

Here’s how: A network of nonprofits in each neighborhood helps bring together the right resources with the people that need them most to achieve economic mobility.

• Services are based on specific neighborhood needs but include housing, health, mental health, early childhood and youth programs.

What does Unite Charlotte focus on?

This program invests in local grassroots organizations.

The strategy: United Way invests in emerging nonprofits, with a focus on BIPOC-led organizations, to unlock fresh solutions to some of our most challenging problems.

What does A Home for All focus on?

A Home for All is dedicated to preventing homelessness and increasing affordable housing in Mecklenburg County.

Here’s how: This community-wide initiative focuses on systemic solutions to ensure adequate housing in our region.

What businesses and organizations does United Way work with?

The great thing about United Way is everybody can be involved – we rely on donations from individuals, local businesses, and foundation partners.

In turn, our investments in the community provide critical operating support to a wide variety of nonprofits selected because of their ability to meet community needs and deliver on outcomes.

View our partners.

Want to get involved? Check out United Way’s website to volunteer, donate and advocate.

Produced in partnership with United Way.