Here is a question: “What exactly is United Way?” No worries – we will give you the answer. Our name is well-known, but what we do is not always obvious.
First, we are not an airline or an insurance company (but the names are similar). United Way is a charity that promotes positive community change to create opportunities for better lives.
Many people think of United Way as an enormous charity, and that perception is probably because of the impressive effectiveness of the cooperative network of 1,200 independent United Ways across the globe. Collectively, United Way would be the largest charity organization in the world, but, in fact, each United Way is a separate organization that fits the size and needs of its own community. In the five counties of Southwest Colorado, United Way of Southwest Colorado raises and distributes more than $1 million each year to local communities, with the equivalent of only 2.5 staff members and a large group of devoted volunteers.
The United Way model was started 127 years ago in Denver by two ministers, a rabbi, a priest and a woman who wanted to improve conditions in the city. By pooling and coordinating resources, they found they could be more effective by working together. United Ways are still focused on collaboration and are not tied to any political party or religious group.
Funds are raised from personal and corporate contributions, special events and grants. The funds are then distributed to local nonprofit organizations that demonstrate their ability to improve the community through their work.
Specifically, the nonprofits we fund focus on three specific areas that help people to build good lives. In education, we are making progress toward increasing high school graduation rates. In health, we are working to increase access to appropriate care and promote healthy lifestyles. In self-reliance, we are working to reduce the number of families who are financially unstable and to give the tools to help maintain stability.
United Ways are well-known for sound internal financial management and a rigorous screening process of partner nonprofits. In order to be called “United Way,” an organization must pass 13 strict standards. Nondiscrimination is a key requirement, as well as 12 other specific financial accountability rules. Locally, we meet these requirements through the oversight of our Board of Directors, our annual audit and additional policies and processes designed to ensure accountability. Furthermore, we do the upfront work to thoroughly partners that we fund to ensure that money generously donated by others is spent wisely.
We use the phrase “Live United” to emphasize there is a place for everyone to be a part of this great organization. We invite you to join us through volunteering and/or donating. It takes all of us working together – like the ministers, woman, rabbi and priest in Denver 127 years ago – to make our community the best it can be.
Visit www.unitedway-swco.org for more information.
Lynn Urban is president and CEO of United Way of Southwest Colorado.
