Community Impact
There are basic things we all need for a good life: a quality education that leads to a stable job, income that can support a family through retirement, and good health.
United Way focuses on education, income, health and basic needs as the building blocks for a good life and a strong community. Our goal is to create lasting change by addressing the underlying causes of problems. It's the difference between spending money to build more shelters and working strategically to prevent homelessness. Our vision for Community Impact is ambitious. But united, we can make a difference.
United Way achieves community impact using a comprehensive approach:
1. COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS
Donations to United Way's Community Care Fund are strategically invested in programs and partnerships that address identified community needs and achieve measurable results. Decisions are made by trained volunteers who represent the diverse interests of the community and who are committed to creating opportunities for a better life for all.
FACT: During our most-recent funding cycle, 100 local programs and special initiatives representing 56 local agencies received funding from United Way's Community Care Fund. Because many human service needs are connected (for instance, a struggling single mother may need help with job training, childcare, nutrition for her children and more) United Way's grantmaking strategy changes lives and strengthens our community.
2. COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
United Way engages partners in collective action to solve problems and build on existing strengths. Our guiding principle is that united, we can accomplish far more than if each of us worked alone. Community initiatives bring people and groups together from all segments of society to tackle issues and capitalize on opportunities that can best be addressed collectively. Learn about United Way of the Greater Capital Region's community initiatives.
FACT: Last tax season, the United Way-led CA$H coalition mobilized volunteers to prepare more than 13,000 tax returns at 54 sites across the greater Capital Region. United Way's CA$H partnership helped bring more than $18 million in tax savings to hardworking, income-eligible individuals and families. The CA$H initiative is part of United Way's strategy to promote financial stability.