Get involved to create a better future for all of central Ohio. This is your moment.
The surest way to address the need and effect change is through donations. That’s how you can show your support for the work you feel passionate about. We invite you to give to our Community Impact Fund, the most powerful way to improve lives and strengthen our community, or to designate funds for a specific cause. However you choose to contribute, you can be sure that your hard-earned dollars will impact the greatest needs in our community, because they’re collected with other gifts and directed to programs doing the most to make a difference. (We know because we evaluate the impact of our funded programs every year).
Effective change requires increased awareness. You can help increase awareness in our community by making your voice heard for the causes and issues that matter most to you.
Whether reading to children, stocking shelves at a food pantry or delivering meals to home-bound seniors, there are many volunteer opportunities available every day.
Volunteers are vital to the strength and mission of United Way of Central Ohio, as well as to the strength of our community.
We know that in order to create opportunities for a better life for all, we have to mobilize and engage individuals, businesses and organizations. Find an opportunity that appeals to you and get involved today.
Members commit to a leadership role in giving, inspired by what they can accomplish together with other leaders. Their generosity, compassion and dedication make a real impact on the lives of people in our community.
Over the years, gifts from Tocqueville members have made significant contributions to central Ohio, including a $4.9 million gift made by Barbara and Al Siemer, founders of the Siemer Family Foundation. In 2007, they proposed an innovative new program to United Way of Central Ohio designed to prevent homelessness and reduce student mobility among low-income families in the Columbus City School system and throughout our community.
Other Tocqueville gifts have combined to help United Way of Central Ohio:
As a Tocqueville Society member, your impact will be deep and long-lasting. United Way of Central Ohio researches the needs in our community, develops the strategies to initiate long-term change, and measures the results to ensure steady progress.
Join us. United, we can make a difference.
The Tocqueville Society includes four levels of investment, each with unique benefits, including national recognition and invitations to special events.
The Fast Track offers a way to become a member immediately through a pledge to incrementally increase your gift over a period of time.
| Year One | Year Two | Year Three | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexis de Tocqueville Society | $7,500 | $10,000 | – |
| Tocqueville Vingt-Cinq | $15,000 | $20,000 | $25,000 |
| Tocqueville Premiere | $50,000 | $75,000 | $100,000 |
If you would like more information or to get involved with The Tocqueville Society – contact Betsy McCabe at betsy.mccabe@uwcentralohio.org or 614.227.2734.
| Category: | The Tocqueville Society |
| Date: | October 13, 2016 |
Based on 5 core values, United Way’s Cinquefoil Fellowship focuses on appreciation, recognition, education, advocacy and inclusion. Through their generous gifts, Cinquefoil members demonstrate a commitment to our community and a dedication to helping provide opportunities for all people to reach their potential.
Last year, with the support of Cinquefoil members, United Way of Central Ohio has helped:
In addition to creating positive impact in our community, Cinquefoil members enjoy networking with others who believe in opportunities for everyone.
Join us. United, we can make a difference.
Cinquefoil Fellowship membership is open to central Ohioans who invest $5,000-$9,999 each year in United Way of Central Ohio. Spouses and partners may combine their respective gifts to become Cinquefoil Fellowship members.
Cinquefoil Fellowship offers several networking events and activities throughout the year to learn more about United Way’s work in our community.
Cinquefoil has no expected attendance requirements; you may select the activities most important to you.
Cinquefoil Fellowship members receive special recognition throughout the year and have the opportunity to:
Cinquefoil Fellowship members may also join other United Way giving groups, including:
If you would like more information or to get involved with Cinquefoil Fellowship – contact Jeanne Heald at jeanne.heald@uwcentralohio.org or 614.241.3078.
When you give an individual or household gift of $1,000 – $4,999 annually to United Way of Central Ohio, you demonstrate values shared by thousands of your neighbors and friends. For you, we’ve created Community Builders, a new program that provides special recognition for those who believe in bringing positive change to our community.
As a Community Builder, you help ensure that everyone in central Ohio reaches their potential. Community Builders support United Way’s focus on education, income, health and home because these are the building blocks for a better life:
These blocks form the foundation of a strong community. By building together, we have the power to make a bigger difference than we ever could individually. The effect of our actions and donations is amplified, and so is the change we can make.
Community Builders affirms this collective impact. Your individual or household gift of $1,000 – $4,999 annually will change lives and strengthen our community. Not just for today, but for tomorrow, too.
If you would like more information or to get involved with Community Builders – contact Jeanne Heald at jeanne.heald@uwcentralohio.org or 614.241.3078.
United Way’s Young Leadership Group (YLG) began more than 20 years ago, and is open to those 45 and younger who give an annual gift of $2500 or more and who want to play an important role in setting and carrying out agendas for change in central Ohio. Members invest their time and money to improve lives and strengthen our community.
Mission Statement: To engage the next generation of leaders in central Ohio through philanthropy, personal growth opportunities and community involvement.
YLG offers you the opportunity to leave your mark on our community.
With family, work and volunteering, we’re all trying to balance busy lives. In YLG, you become involved on your terms: Participate through a financial commitment alone. Financially support and engage in philanthropic and volunteer opportunities that work in your busy life. Or take it a step further and also apply to join the steering committee.
No matter how you participate, YLG can help you make a positive impact on our community by supporting the mission of United Way of Central Ohio. We have a vast network of young professionals who will set the pace as our next generation of leaders.
Whether you’re donating at your workplace, individually or online, it’s easy to join YLG:
Fast Track Program. Become a YLG member immediately, while increasing your gift over time: (1st year $1500; 2nd year $2000; 3rd year $2500)
YLG has something for everyone. Check out our recent events and volunteer opportunities to get more involved:
Give: 2015 Joint Affinity Group Party With a Purpose
Learn: Educational Roundtable featuring David Clifton – Our YLG Educational Roundtables are hosted by local community leaders who speak on topics of his or her choosing about success principles. These events are also a great opportunity for you to learn from community and business leaders and to network with other like-minded young professionals.
Volunteer: September United Way partnership with Columbus Learning Center
If you would like to join the Young Leadership Group Steering Committee, click here to download an application.
If you would like more information or to get involved with Young Leadership Group – contact Diana Schrimpf at diana.schrimpf@uwcentralohio.org or 614.227.8701.
Since its inception, Key Club members have contributed nearly $20 Million in support of dozens of United Way of Central Ohio funded partners and hundreds of health and human service programs. In its short but dynamic history, Key Club has successfully:
All African American households that invest $1,000 or more in United Way of Central Ohio may be recognized as Key Club members. Spouses and partners may combine their respective gifts to become members.
Key Club offers a variety of professional and social events throughout the year, including:
Key Club has no attendance requirements; you may select the activities most important to you.
Key Club members receive special recognition throughout the year and have opportunities to:
Key Club members may also join other United Way giving groups, including:
If you would like more information or to get involved with Key Club – contact Ruth Lomax at ruth.lomax@uwcentralohio.org or 614.241.3082.
PRIDE Council offers members of the LGBT community and allies the opportunity to make broad, community-wide change happen.
PRIDE Council and PRIDE Gives – the first United Way LGBT giving groups in the country – are part of a long history of “firsts” for United Way of Central Ohio in the LGBT community:
It takes passion, commitment and a desire to be part of the change to make a real difference in our community.
We also ask that each member join with a household contribution of $1,000 to United Way of Central Ohio.
As a member, you’ll receive special recognition throughout the year and have opportunities to:
Opportunities for engagement are available in the areas of:
If you would like more information or to get involved with PRIDE Council – contact Jeanne Heald at jeanne.heald@uwcentralohio.org or 614.241.3078.
Together, the WLC is working on an initiative that will provide educational opportunities for women in central Ohio—opportunities that increase their ability to provide for themselves and their families.
There is a particular need for the WLC to reach out to other women, who often bear a disproportionate share of the problems in our community.
These women need a group of community-minded women who will focus on their needs and provide the economic opportunities and support it takes to build successful lives.
There are other women’s organizations, to be sure, but none quite like the Women’s Leadership Council.
This volunteer-driven group is an organization of its own design. It creates its own initiatives. It sets its own goals. It seeks its own answers and implements its own strategies. In this way, the Women’s Leadership Council is a true catalyst for the much-needed change in the lives of so many women in central Ohio.
In addition, the WLC has access to and benefit from the agencies and best practices of United Way of Central Ohio.
If you would like more information or to get involved with Women’s Leadership Council – contact Celeste Gamble at celeste.gamble@uwcentralohio.org or 614.227.2704.
I was in a difficult time and struggling to get by financially when I first heard about the Women’s Leadership Council E3 program. I knew I would benefit from additional education, but I wasn’t sure it was something I could do on my own. The E3 program has built up my confidence in so many ways, from helping me improve my math and algebra skills to increasing my ability to socialize and network with other women.
E3 and my mentor, Priscilla, have meant a great deal to me. When I first joined the program, I felt like I was finally making a step toward the life I really wanted to have. All of the components of E3—the instructors, the other participants and the mentors—work together to provide a massive push in the right direction. The thought of all these people who believe in me helps keep me motivated.
I didn’t have many opportunities when I was younger, but E3 has put me on the right track to success. Now I’m working toward a degree in nursing and looking forward to a stable career.
Women's Leadership Council is improving lives through our dedicated membership and the commitment of our volunteer leadership.
Learn MoreView the WLC Membership Directory online to see the 300+ members who are improving lives in our community.
Learn More
Share your knowledge and skills through volunteer projects. Meet people who share your passion. Learn from business and community leaders. And make a real difference right here at home.
United Way LINC (Lead. Impact. Network. Change.) engages, educates, and mobilizes young professionals around reducing poverty to help build a stronger, more vibrant Columbus.
Membership is open to early career professionals ages 22-30 who invest $250 or more annually (about $5 per week) in United Way’s Community Impact Fund.
Why join LINC?
LINC Steering Committee Roster
Alex Anthony, Chair
Aver
Nora Gerber, Vice Chair
Columbus Chamber of Commerce
Anne Dugan, Immediate Past Chair
Deloitte
Alyssa Trocchio, Community Engagement Subcommittee Chair
Ohio Health
Jon Yoon, Membership and Marketing Subcommittee Chair
Nationwide
Claire Ferneding, Professional Development Subcommittee Chair
State Auto
Alesia Howard
The Ohio State University
Azure’D Metoyer
Ohio Attorney General’s Office
Brina Maydock
Victoria’s Secret
Gloria Feliciano-Gonzalez
AEP
Josh Holden
Cardinal Health
Keri Amrine
Battelle
Kristian Grizzell
Alliance Data
Kristin Gallucci
DSW
Chris Webb
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Ernest Levert
Primerica Advisors
Kwame Christian, Esq.
The Christian Law Office, LLC
Martin Jarmond
The Ohio State University
Valerie Incorvaia
Huntington
Starting a workplace campaign is an ideal way for you and your co-workers to take a stand for your philanthropic values. Creating a culture of giving at work benefits your employees, your organization and our community.
When you partner with United Way of Central Ohio, you help improve the lives of everyone in our community —including your own.
Let us help you customize your campaign. Together, we’ll make it fun, productive and engaging, regardless of the size of your organization.
Call 614.227.2700. We’ll connect you with your personal United Way campaign manager so you can get started today.
United Way of Central Ohio invites you to make the ultimate investment in your community by arranging for a planned gift to United Way. A planned gift to United Way of Central Ohio will enable us to continue to do what works and what matters for decades to come by finding solutions to the important problems of our time, problems like employment, education, health, housing, and safe neighborhoods.
Donors also reap benefits from making a planned gift to United Way of Central Ohio. Not only do donors build legacies for themselves and their families, often times they see a reduction in their taxes, an increase in their income, the fulfillment of their charitable goals and reap great personal satisfaction in seeing their desires carried forth into the future.
Donors who make a planned gift to United Way of Central Ohio have many options available to them to implement this transaction. Donors can make an outright gift from appreciated assets, through a bequest, with a life insurance policy, through a trust, retirement plans or an annuity. These are but a few of the many avenues available to donors interested in making a planned gift. We encourage donors to work with their legal or financial adviser in making a planned gift but United Way can also provide assistance.
To discuss planned giving options, contact Michael Robinson at 614.227.2764.
The Loaned Executive Program of United Way of Central Ohio gives companies an opportunity to provide employees a unique learning experience with numerous benefits. Loaned Executives represent United Way during peak campaign season by making presentations to local corporate partners and reaching out to individual donors.
A United Way relationship manager will work with your Loaned Executive to develop fundraising goals, execute campaign strategies and support the corporate philanthropy efforts in companies throughout Columbus. Your employee will gain transferable skills through intensive training, and numerous leadership and networking opportunities.
Your company will gain high visibility within the community, and your employee receives significant career enrichment opportunities. The Loaned Executive Program can enhance the skills and knowledge of an employee who is in the midst of an internal transition, a newly hired young professional or an employee who is new to central Ohio and would benefit from making business connections. Consider incorporating this three-month program into your employees’ onboarding and development plans.
For the first two weeks of the 14-week program and periodically throughout, the Loaned Executive will receive training that includes a structured professional development curriculum covering communication and presentation skills, project management skills, and interpersonal and management competencies.
Participants will engage in the community by participating in group volunteer projects, agency tours, Campaign Cabinet meetings and by speaking in front of various audiences about the work of United Way.
The program will emphasize networking and mentorship through leadership luncheons with key stakeholders in the community to educate and inspire your Loaned Executive. From building relationships with key corporate contacts and making presentations to different audiences, participants will expand their personal and professional networks.
Loaned Executives serve from August 19 to november 22. In addition to the traditional loaned employee option, we also offer a sponsorship support option. If loaning employees, companies agree to cover their employees’ salaries, mileage costs and other expenses during the program.
Loaned Executives (40 hours per week for 14 weeks) – Full-time Loaned Executives manage approximately 40 corporate accounts and work out of United Way’s downtown offices. When you invest in your employee as a Loaned Executive, you release them from day-to-day responsibilities for the duration of the program.
Sponsorship Support – Financial sponsorship enables United Way to offer the Loaned Executive Program. Corporate sponsors are recognized in a variety of ways including coverage in the United Way newsletter, website and, as appropriate, on program materials.
Join our corporate partners Alliance Data, American Electric Power, Fifth Third Bank, Limited Brands, Mettler Toledo, Nationwide, State Auto, UPS and others in making a difference in your community through the Loaned Executive Program.
The application deadline for the program is July 26, 2013. For more information, please contact Heather Popio at 614.227.2774 orheather.popio@uwcentralohio.org.
It’s Easy… just shop, swipe your card & earn!
Kroger is committed to helping central Ohio grow and prosper. As a long time supporter of United Way, Kroger’s Community Rewards program is one of many community commitments Kroger makes towards advancing the common good.
Kroger will pay up to $1,000,000 on a quarterly basis to participating organizations based on their percentage of spending as it relates to the total spending of all participating Kroger Community Rewards organizations. Individual groups are able to earn up to $50,000 per quarter. Kroger limits a quarterly household contribution to $300. Participants must re-enroll annually.
By participating the the Community Rewards program, you can help raise funds for United Way of Central Ohio to continue our work in the local community.
Persons wishing to use appreciated stock as settlement of their United Way pledge should check the box labeled “Stocks and Securities” on their pledge card and make sure to fill out the Home Address section of the form. The pledge will be logged as a Direct Bill pledge payable before the end of the following calendar year (i.e. – a pledge made in the fall of 2014 is due prior to 12-31-2015.)
When donating appreciated stock, the individual should transfer the stock(s) as described below before selling it. By doing this, the individual may be able to claim a charitable contribution in the amount of the average of the high and low stock price on the day of transfer to the United Way. He/she may also not have to pay any capital gains tax on the deposition of the stock.
Note: Only stock which has appreciated in value should be contributed directly to the United Way. If you are considering stock whose current selling price is below the purchase price, it would be advantageous for tax purposes to sell the stock first and contribute the proceeds after receiving the cash settlement, so that the individual may be entitled to the capital loss on the sale as well as the charitable donation for the cash paid to the United Way.
PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PERSONAL TAX ADVISOR BEFORE MAKING STOCK TRANSFER DONATION(S).
To transfer stock(s) or mutual fund(s) to the United Way:
United Way Account : 79E04153
Brokerage Firm: Merrill Lynch
Merrill Lynch DTC Number: 5198
Federal Tax ID:31-4393712
Your brokerage firm can contact Merrill Lynch directly at (800)285-0648 for information regarding the transfer.
Our policy is to sell donated stock as quickly as possible after receiving the transfer. Once we receive the proceeds we will post the contribution to your account and send you an acknowledgment letter to serve as evidence of the value of your contribution for tax purposes. To ensure proper posting of stock payments, please ask your broker to provide your full name and address when funds are transferred.
Our work in the community is made possible by the generous support of individuals and business through monetary and in-kind donations. We would like to thank the following organizations and individuals for their generous in-kind support through the donation of goods, services or consulting expertise valued at $5,000 or more. These in-kind gifts were received in 2014 and 2015:
Les and Abigail Wexner
The Andersons
Columbia Gas
State Auto
The Ohio State University
Nationwide
Creative Spot
Oregonia Pictures
Time Warner Cable
NBC4
WBNS 10TV>
In-kind product and service contributions help United Way of Central Ohio and our partner nonprofit organizations thrive by expanding resources, reducing overhead costs and helping increase efficiency. By making an in-kind donation, you can take pride in knowing your gifts have found a good home and made a real difference in our community.
If you’re an organization:
To coordinate an in-kind fundraiser, such as a school supply drive or clothing drive, or to make a large in-kind donation such as advertising/media placement or consulting services, please contact us and we will gladly help connect you to the right people, programs and agencies in our community.
We also welcome your in-kind donations of goods and services made directly to United Way of Central Ohio—such as gift cards, printing, catering services, office supplies, video production/editing. These generous donations allow us to do our work in central Ohio more efficiently and effectively.
Please contact and work with your organization’s United Way Relationship Manager. If you don’t have an assigned Relationship Manager, please contact Joe McKinley at joe.mckinley@uwcentralohio.org or 614.227.2738.
If you’re an individual:
We can help you find a non-profit agency home for your new and/or gently used household items or office equipment including household tools, gently used clothes and winter jackets, and office equipment including computers and printers. Please contact Joe McKinley at joe.mckinley@uwcentralohio.org or 614.227.2738.
When you make an in-kind gift, you’re entitled to receive all the tax credits allowed by law. Please contact a tax professional for specific tax advice. United Way of Central Ohio gladly coordinates the donations of in-kind gifts among individuals, companies and non-profit organizations. We are not responsible for any damage or inconvenience encountered during an in-kind transaction.
You can help reduce poverty by learning about our public policy priorities, being informed about local issues, contacting your elected officials about a poverty issue, increasing awareness about a cause through social media, and telling your friends and family about our work.
These issues and priorities are reflective of work that is key to the capacity of United Ways to meet the human care needs of our communities, and where our active involvement along with key partners can result in sustained and positive change.
Public Policy is more than lobbying.
Public Policy refers to the laws, rules and funding priorities that establish how government will address needs, solve problems, and spend public dollars.
Public Policy advocacy encompasses a range of activities that may or may not include lobbying. Lobbying usually involves an attempt to influence legislation. Almost all social change started with non-lobbying advocacy that evolved into lobbying efforts that led to changes in public policies and law.
Public Policy advocacy is one of the tools we use to influence laws and funding decisions that will have long-term impact on central Ohio families.
For more information regarding our public policy work, please contact Valerie Ridgeway at valerie.ridgeway@uwcentralohio.org or 614.227.2706.
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D- District 20
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D- District 26
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R - Senate District 16
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Whether reading to children, stocking shelves at a food pantry or delivering meals to home-bound seniors, there are many volunteer opportunities available every day.
Volunteers are vital to the strength and mission of United Way of Central Ohio, as well as to the strength of our community.
We know that in order to create opportunities for a better life for all, we have to mobilize and engage individuals, businesses and organizations. Find an opportunity that appeals to you and get involved today.
The Columbus Volunteer Challenge is an annual city-wide volunteer event hosted by United Way of Central Ohio and the City of Columbus. Each September we challenge community volunteers, corporations, non-profits, schools, universities, faith organizations and other community groups to come together in service to help build a community that is more inspired, proud, and engaged.
Pride-Gives-LogoThe LGBT community in central Ohio repeatedly has demonstrated the power of people coming together to make change happen. Because when people unite, we accomplish more.
If you’re interested in actively working for long-lasting social change in central Ohio, joining PRIDE Gives is a way for you to help. At United Way of Central Ohio, we know that Columbus is a welcoming and thriving city – a city that supports issues important to the LGBT community—and we want to make it an even better place to live.
PRIDE Gives offers members of the LGBT community the opportunity to come together to make a difference through volunteering in the community and through giving to United Way. There is no minimum financial requirement—all LGBT United Way donors qualify.*
In addition to connecting with others in the LGBT community, PRIDE Gives members participate in numerous volunteer service projects and advocacy opportunities that help make the community a better place for ALL to live.
For many years, United Way of Central Ohio has supported diversity and inclusion as we have worked to address the root causes of some of the most persistent problems that we face in our community. We do the work to make sure gifts go where they will make the most impact.
In the last year, United Way has:
By supporting United Way, the LGBT community can stand up and be part of the change – by improving lives and strengthening our community. Because when individuals thrive, neighborhoods improve. And when neighborhoods improve, our entire community prospers.
* United Way of Central Ohio also offers PRIDE Council membership to those individuals who invest $1,000 or more annually.
If you would like more information or to get involved with PRIDE Gives – contact Jeanne Heald atjeanne.heald@uwcentralohio.org or 614-241-3078.
Pride Gives-Council B...
| Platforms: | Windows 8 |
| Category: | PRIDE Council |
| Date: | August 4, 2016 |
We are led by a dedicated group of volunteers who give generously of their time and talents to create lasting change in our community. Here are a few tips to ensure you get the most of your volunteering experience:
Think about what matters to you, and be selective about where you spend your time. By choosing opportunities that make you feel good and also help others, you will help build stronger communities and enrich your own life at the same time.
United Way and community volunteer centers work with volunteers and local nonprofits to develop the best opportunities for youth, busy working adults and seniors to serve. When you work with your local United Way or Volunteer Center, you can feel confident about the quality of the opportunity you choose and about the organization you donate your time to support.
Whether it’s helping children achieve their potential, helping families become financially stable, or improving people’s health, find out what cause is closest to your heart and make a difference.
Would you like to write an agency’s newsletter? Or would you rather build a house? Find something you enjoy doing and enhance your skills through volunteering.
Volunteering can also teach you valuable new skills that you can use in other parts of your life. For example, learning how to handle crisis calls may help you communicate better.
Stick to a volunteering schedule that makes sense for you and leaves you time to enjoy the activity.
Group volunteering is a wonderful way to bond with your family or co-workers; not only will you create lasting memories, but you will help someone in need.
Whether it is important to you to solve a community problem, advance a worthy cause or to develop as a person, volunteering offers many benefits when you give of your time and expertise.
Volunteering with co-workers will help you develop insight into community needs and resources, while directly impacting your community’s quality of life.
For more information about volunteering with your company, please contact our volunteer engagement team at volunteer@uwcentralohio.org.
