LIVING UNITED TO BUILD ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

Within our community, we break down barriers to create uniquely impactful programs that help lift people out of poverty. Collaborating with local government agencies, businesses, faith communities, donors and volunteers to mobilize resources quickly and efficiently and advance lasting solutions, United Way is ensuring the most vulnerable populations have access to economic opportunities.

United Way of Greater Charlotte was founded 90 years ago in Mecklenburg County as “Emergency Relief” to help people affected by the Great Depression through the power of collective giving. In 2020, amidst the public health and economic crises brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, we were reminded that the work done by United Way is just as relevant today as it was nine decades ago.

Our Impact Statement

United Way of Greater Charlotte works to build pathways to opportunity. At United Way, we find innovative solutions to solve our region's most urgent challenges, working hand in hand with neighborhoods and grassroots nonprofits. Through data-driven, collective efforts, we break down barriers to create uniquely impactful programs that help lift people out of poverty.

Our Core Values

Bold

Take action and go! Be bold and not afraid of a little competition or thinking outside the box even when opportunities seem unimaginable. Create a new path one-step at a time, you got this!

Catalyst

A catalyst is a substance that ignites change in its environment. We strive to work within various ecosystems – corporate, nonprofit, philanthropic, government, etc. – to make the connections and spark the actions that will positively impact the lives of underserved members of our community today and for generations to come.

Disruptive

Sometimes things just need a shake-up. Whether internally or out in the community, we aren’t afraid to be disruptive. Understanding that we may leave a few feathers ruffled along the way, if it is the right thing to do and benefits our community, we will take the chance!

Innovative

Inaction is the enemy of innovation. We are a perpetual work in progress, striving to be better, constantly learning and taking risk to be the best we can be. Learning from our mistakes and paving the way for continual betterment.

Collaborative

Teamwork makes the dream work. Bottom line, we need each other. Working together makes us all better individually and makes us awesome as a group. Welcome tough conversations, don’t make assumptions, and rely on others. Together we are stronger! Understanding what others’ strengths and weaknesses may be and using that knowledge to guide, support, and model our work makes for a successful and high performing team.

Compassionate

Our differences make us stronger. We are committed to a positive culture that prioritizes humanity and treats everyone with dignity and respect. We value each person’s unique perspective and contributions. Every team member is expected to embody these principles and lead by example.

WHERE YOU FIT IN

This is your United Way and your community. Lend your voice, raise your hand and make a difference by volunteering, leading with others who share your passion.

START A WORKPLACE CAMPAIGN

Pool your passion, knowledge and resources to start your own United Way campaign today with family, friends or coworkers.

LIFE AT UNITED WAY

Join our powerful, passionate team of innovators in building pathways to economic opportunity through data-driven decisions and collective efforts.