About Us
We are committed to providing equitable resources and opportunities that help families thrive so their children can succeed in school and in life.
By bringing people and systems together and mobilizing them to act, we’re helping to change community conditions and build a stronger, more equitable central Ohio.
Our Mission
Improve the lives of others by mobilizing the caring power of our community.
Our Vision
Build a community in which everyone has the aspirations, resources and opportunities to reach their fullest potential.
We are your neighbors, co-workers and friends. We are a collaboration of donors, volunteers, organizations and experts—UNITED around the shared sense of purpose of building a stronger community where everyone is able to reach their fullest potential. Founded in 1923, United Way of Central Ohio has served as a trusted convener, bringing together thousands of donors, advocates and volunteers to solve difficult community issues. Because when we speak and act together, we have the power to do more and our impact multiplies.
Learn More
United Way has enjoyed the support of central Ohio
for many years with a proud tradition of advancing
the common good.
In 1887, church leaders in Denver recognized the need for a combined effort to solve the city’s social welfare problems and organized to raise funds to support 22 health and welfare groups.
In Columbus, the first steps were taken toward creating a more unified system of charities called “The Society of Organized Charities” and was designed to prevent overlapping and duplication. It became the city’s first united community planning group and information agency. The Society operated until 1899 when it was reorganized into the Associated Charities of Columbus.
In 1913, the first Community Chest was formed in Cleveland and was modeled after the Jewish Federation. Between 1919 and 1929 the number of community chests grew from 39 to 353 and by 1948 there were 1,000.
In 1923, a major step was taken. The Columbus Community Fund was formed to conduct a combined fund-raising campaign for 28 human services agencies. The fund was chaired by the Reverend E.F. Chauncey who was the rector of Trinity Episcopal Church and who called the campaign a “crusade.” The campaign set a goal of $488,425 and successfully raised $600,769.
America’s entry into WWII changed everything. Columbus became the second city in the nation to organize a War Chest and included the coordination of various charity drives.
In 1943, Organized Labor supported the idea of workplace giving through payroll deduction. Members of AFL-CIOs were elected to boards and now national labor organizations encouraged workplace giving.
By 1948, more than 1,000 communities had established United Way organizations.
In Ohio, United Appeals of Franklin County in 1951 became United Appeal and in 1972 to conform to the national trend, we became United Way of Franklin County. Finally, in 2000, we adopted United Way of Central Ohio to locally reflect the communities we serve.
Until January 2021, we were one of only three United Ways in major markets across the country fundraising in a single county. That changed when United Way of Central Ohio and United Way of Union County formally affiliated to create greater efficiencies, reduce expenses and increase impact for both organizations. United Way of Union County maintained its name and the local nature of philanthropy, funding and service delivery, as well as its staff and offices.
United Way of Central Ohio expanded its impact further when United Way of Pickaway County dissolved on March 31, 2022, and Pickaway County ZIP codes were added to our footprint. We have long provided program funding to agencies that serve families and students throughout central Ohio, beyond Franklin County, and we look forward to connecting more directly to work with Pickaway County residents in the future.
United Way of Central Ohio is a
volunteer-driven organization
Whose purpose is to measurably improve lives in our community. We recognize our responsibility to the community and the people we serve. We value those relationships and believe that we and our representatives must act in ways that honor the trust those communities have placed in us.
We adhere to a Code of Ethics that is based on the ethical standards of integrity, accountability, confidentiality, diversity, fairness and respect. As a member of United Way Worldwide, we follow The Global Standards for United Way Organizations. These Standards articulate the principles and practices that make United Way organizations unique and successful wherever they are in the world. As we work toward the goal of improving lives and strengthening our community, we also work to earn our community’s trust every day by maintaining the very highest standards of accountability and transparency.
We adhere to comprehensive requirements for audited financial statements that ensure consistency and transparency on the part of each local United Way. Diversity and inclusion inform every aspect of our work. We are continually aware of the importance of racial disparities and create strategies to reduce them.
United Way of Central Ohio is a
volunteer-driven organization
Concerned and compassionate citizens created United Way of Central Ohio to help people in need and make our community a better place for everyone.
Today, we are mobilizing the caring power of thousands of individuals and central Ohio employers to advance the common good. Together, we are working to create opportunities for a better life for all. We are joining hands, opening our hearts, lending our muscle and finding our collective voice.
United Way of Central Ohio is a
volunteer-driven organization
whose purpose is to measurably improve lives in our community. We recognize our responsibility to the community and the people we serve. We value those relationships and believe that we and our representatives must act in ways that honor the trust those communities have placed in us.
We adhere to a Code of Ethics that is based on the ethical standards of integrity, accountability, confidentiality, diversity, fairness and respect. As a member of United Way Worldwide, we follow The Global Standards for United Way Organizations. These Standards articulate the principles and practices that make United Way organizations unique and successful wherever they are in the world. As we work toward the goal of improving lives and strengthening our community, we also work to earn our community’s trust every day by maintaining the very highest standards of accountability and transparency.
We adhere to comprehensive requirements for audited financial statements that ensure consistency and transparency on the part of each local United Way. Diversity and inclusion inform every aspect of our work. We are continually aware of the importance of racial disparities and create strategies to reduce them.
In order to maintain your trust, written policies
and procedures are in place for your review.
We demand strong financial management, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, compliance with all United Way Worldwide membership requirements, and internal controls over all United Way resources.
We adhere to comprehensive requirements for
audited financial statements that ensure consistency
and transparency on the part of each United Way.
Our requirements are based on current best practices in our industry as well as generally accepted accounting principles and requirements. The United Way system also includes requirements for completion of the IRS Form 990 to ensure transparency using consistent standards.
Independent Organization
United Way of Central Ohio (United Way) is an independent organization founded and governed by local volunteers to create opportunities for a better life for all. United Way is a member of United Way Worldwide and annually completes certification of strict membership requirements.
Strict Checks And Balances
United Way of Central Ohio has a stringent system of checks and balances in place to ensure it is operated in a sound fiscal manner. Through our Board of Trustees and volunteer committees, we draw upon the financial and management expertise in our community to continuously improve our fiscal performance. The organization’s operating budget as well as its community funding decisions are reviewed and approved by several volunteer committees, including the Board of Trustees.
High Audit Ratings
Each year, United Way of Central Ohio undergoes an annual financial statement audit by an independent CPA firm. The latest audit can be found here. Our independent auditors reported our financial statements fairly and accurately present the financial position of United Way of Central Ohio. The annual audit is approved by the volunteer Audit Committee and is also reviewed by the Board of Trustees.
Openness To Sharing Financial Information
United Way of Central Ohio’s work is made possible thanks to the support of thousands of individual investors and central Ohio employers who trust us to prudently invest their donations on behalf of the common good. Information regarding donations is available to all donors and we welcome questions regarding our investments in programs and services.
United Way Worldwide Membership Standards
Designations will be assessed noncollectable and administrative fees in accordance with United Way Worldwide Membership Standards. United Way of Central Ohio’s administrative fee is currently 10%.
At United Way of Central Ohio, diversity, equity and inclusion inform every aspect of our work. We understand from experience that the best solutions are crafted by diverse perspectives and stakeholders.
Diversity is who we are. Our Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers come from many walks of life and reflect the many faces that make up our community. Our greatest strength is that we’re not all the same.
Inclusion is essential to what we do and strengthens our community. It is at the heart of what it means to Live United and to advance the common good; to be a diverse, equitable and inclusive system is fundamental to fighting poverty in central Ohio.
Equity is making sure everyone in the community has what they need to reach their full potential. We align resources, build strong partnerships and ensure the fair treatment of everyone.
United Way of Central Ohio’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement:
United Way of Central Ohio is committed to creating and maintaining a community where everyone has equitable opportunity to participate and contribute to their own success. Because our greatest strength as a community is that we are not all the same, everyone must be valued for their skills, experiences and unique perspectives.
We oppose all forms of structural racism, ethnic discrimination and other forms of oppression that have contributed to racial disparities in the past and persist in the present. Inequities and unfair policies and practices have marginalized entire populations, and we unequivocally denounce them, in any form. Racism and ethnic discrimination threaten the well-being of our entire community. United Way actively works to end all forms of inequities by dismantling unfair policies/procedures, and by engaging diverse residents and community members, particularly those whose voices have traditionally been marginalized.
As a trusted organization in central Ohio for nearly 100 years, we actively involve our for-profit, nonprofit and individual partners in co-creating solutions that build and sustain equity. We are committed to leveraging all our assets (e.g., convening, strategic investments, awareness building, advocacy) to create a more equitable central Ohio for all residents.
Our success is measured by how well we make sustainable improvements in our community.
As we work toward the goal of advancing the common good, we also work to earn our community’s trust every day by maintaining the very highest standards of accountability and transparency.
We believe we have a responsibility, both to our donors and to the community itself, to ensure that the dollars people entrust to us are invested in ways that will produce the greatest measurable impact on lives, enabling our region to thrive. We now have over 90 funded partners who share our vision of creating positive change right here, in our communities in central Ohio.
Your Contribution Will Be Well Spent
United Way rigorously studies, personally inspects and re-qualifies each organization we support — every year. Our staff and volunteer experts evaluate and assist funded programs to deliver their services effectively and efficiently.
We offer our funded programs:
- Technical assistance and training
- Capacity building opportunities
- Guidance for defining and measuring impact
- Volunteer and board member recruitment
We maximize your contribution.
We take the business of managing and investing your gift seriously. We maintain efficient and effective operations – our current administrative and fundraising costs are only 16 percent of total net revenues.
Our performance exceeds Better Business Bureau guidelines, due to stringent cost controls and to the dedication of thousands of volunteers.
Our low overhead ensures that the vast majority of your money goes to people in need.
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Director of Strategic Engagement
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Donor Services Specialist
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Tax Time Program and Grants Coordinator
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Director, United Way of Union County
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Director of Public Sector Campaigns
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Network Director, SbTG
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Community Impact Center Receptionist
