Get involved to become a powerful force for good in central Ohio.
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 in central Ohio every day. We’re excited to announce that we’ve launched Volunteer United, a new way of connecting you to those local opportunities in our community.
Learn more about Volunteer United below.
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.
Join us and become a powerful force for good today!
In 2018, nearly 300 Tocqueville members invested almost $6 million, adding to the more than $64 million given since 2006.
We are grateful to all our Tocqueville Society members for leading the change in central Ohio.
“ Giving has become much more meaningful to me over time. I believe that investing in children at an early age is extraordinarily important and pays huge dividends later in life.” —Antonio Smyth
“ We have been supporting the work of United Way for so many years because we know that our investments and service are helping effectively fight poverty and make lives better. It’s that simple.” —Donna and Larry James
Members of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society make annual gifts of at least $10,000 to United Way of Central Ohio each year. When you join, you’ll enjoy:
Join us. United, we can make a difference.
Become a Tocqueville Society member immediately while increasing your gift over time with incremental pledges.
Ambassadors
If you would like more information or to get involved with The Tocqueville Society – contact Julie Ward at Julie.Ward@uwcentralohio.org or 614.227.2747.
If you would like to learn more about building a legacy for United Way of Central Ohio by arranging a planned gift, click here.
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 Solonas Karoulla at solonas.karoulla@uwcentralohio.org or (office) 614.227.2763, (cell) 614.906.6642.
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 Solonas Karoulla at solonas.karoulla@uwcentralohio.org or (office) 614.227.2763, (cell) 614.906.6642.
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 Solonas Karoulla at solonas.karoulla@uwcentralohio.org or (office) 614.227.2763, (cell) 614.906.6642.
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 members can also join Key Club Premier by giving $2500 or more.
Become a Key Club Premier member immediately and enjoy exclusive events while increasing your gift over time to make a greater impact on our community:
FastTrack Option:
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:
Jason Wells & Shadya Yazback
If you would like more information or to get involved with Key Club – contact Aja Davis at Aja.Davis@uwcentralohio.org or 614.227.2713.
Key Club Steering Committee
Ralph Smithers, Chair
Rhonda Talford Knight, PhD, Co-Chair
Jamaal Bell
Alea Bradley
Nina Brooks
Mia Cunningham
Alesia Gillison
John Jackson
Dr. Mark Lomax, II
Scotty McKinnie
Matthew Quinn
Steve Stevenson
Pride United offers members of the LGBTQ community and allies the opportunity to make broad, community-wide change happen.
Thanks to donors like you, United Way of Central Ohio has directed more than $6.7 million to LGBTQ organizations in central Ohio since 1990.
Pride United is the first United Way LGBTQ giving group in the country – part of a long history of “firsts” for United Way of Central Ohio in the LGBTQ community:
1990: Since 1990, United Way of Central Ohio has been an early and ongoing supporter of Equitas Health (formerly AIDS Resource Center Ohio).
2001: United Way funded an inaugural gift of $10,000 to The Legacy Fund of The Columbus Foundation.
2003: Then Columbus City Councilwoman Mary Jo Hudson was elected as a United Way board member, providing a “seat at the table” for LGBTQ perspectives. Tom Grote, the co-founder and former board chair of the Equality Ohio Education Fund, replaced her on the board when she resigned.
2007: United Way helped lead the GLBT Census, an anonymous survey of LGBTQ households that provided the most detailed information on central Ohio’s LGBTQ community ever compiled.
2008: United Way launched Pride Leadership, an eight-month training program directed at LGBTQ professionals and designed to facilitate their placement on volunteer boards and in leadership roles on committees.
2009: United Way of Central Ohio committed funding over the next three years to Kaleidoscope Youth Center, the only organization in Ohio solely dedicated to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.
2010: United Way launched PRIDE Council, the first United Way LGBTQ giving group in the country, to make an even bigger difference in our community – one that can improve the lives of all central Ohioans.
2013: United Way of Central Ohio convened the first Out & Equal forum, bringing together representatives from over 30 central Ohio companies and nonprofit organizations to discuss equality in the workplace.
2018: PRIDE Council rebranded to Pride United to better reflect its mission, following feedback from donors and members of the LGBTQ community. In addition, United Way of Central Ohio is exploring the need for an LGBTQ community survey for central Ohio.
It takes passion, commitment and a desire to be part of the change to make a real difference in our community. We ask that each member join with a household contribution of $1,000 to United Way of Central Ohio. 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).
As a member, you’ll receive special recognition and have opportunities to:
If you would like more information or to get involved with Pride United – contact Solonas Karoulla at solonas.karoulla@uwcentralohio.org or 614.227.2763
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 Katy Burrier at Katy.Burrier@uwcentralohio.org or 614.554.1982 (cell).
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 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 fighting 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?
To learn more about LINC and upcoming events, follow @uwcolinc on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. You may also view an archive of our past events here: www.columbus.uwlinc.org.
If you would like more information or to get involved with LINC – contact Solonas Karoulla at solonas.karoulla@uwcentralohio.org or 614.227.2763
A donor advised fund, which is like a charitable savings account, gives you the flexibility to recommend how much and how often money is granted to United Way of Central Ohio and other organizations. With United Way’s Donor Advised Fund, you decide which United Way partners and other eligible charities to support according to your own interests and timetable. Your fund has the potential to grow tax-free in an investment option, ready to support your next philanthropic mission when the moment is right for you.
How the Donor Advised Fund works:
For more information and to set up a Donor Advised Fund, contact Solonas Karoulla at solonas.karoulla@uwcentralohio.org or (office) 614.227.2763, (cell) 614.906.6642.
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 Katy Burrier at katy.burrier@uwcentralohio.org or at 614.554.1982 (cell).
Invest in Central Ohio’s Future with United Way Life
United Way Life uses an affordable guaranteed life insurance policy. With a modest out-of-pocket cost, you can create a substantial gift that will make an impact in our community forever. With just five annual tax-deductible premium payments to United Way of Central Ohio, the policy is fully paid. Both the premiums and the death benefit are guaranteed to fulfill your gift intent.
Working through a national partnership, United Way Life identifies highly rated best-in-class insurance carriers and constantly searches the market for the greatest value for your charitable dollars. The team at United Way Worldwide will assist you every step of the way, ensuring confidential handling of your information and arranging all required underwriting processes with program partners.
Once premium amounts are determined, they are guaranteed and do not change over the five years. And with United Way of Central Ohio named as the owner and beneficiary of the policy, you receive a tax deduction for each of your five annual premium payments.
The addition of a United Way Life policy also may qualify you for membership in one or more of United Way’s giving groups, or you can use it to step up to the next level of giving over a short period of time, while enjoying membership benefits immediately.
Complete this form to get your free quote today, or to have someone contact you with more information! Or contact Solonas Karoulla at solonas.karoulla@uwcentralohio.org or (office) 614.227.2763, (cell) 614.906.6642.
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 2017 is due prior to 12-31-2018.)
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:
1.) Please contact The United Way of Central Ohio at (614) 227-8703 or donorchoice@uwcentralohio.org and inform us of the transfer. We can also answer any questions that you may have.
United Way Account: 54H04150
Brokerage Firm: Merrill Lynch
Merrill Lynch DTC Number: 8862
Federal Tax ID: 31-4393712
Your brokerage firm can contact Merrill Lynch directly at (800)285-0648 for information regarding the transfer.
2.) If you wish to transfer mutual funds, please contact Merrill Lynch at 614-342-6267 or 1-800-285-0648. They will be able to recommend the appropriate procedure to follow.
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.
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 Derrick Coburn at Derrick.Coburn@uwcentralohio.org or 614.227.8708 (office), 614.769.5895 (cell).
If you’re an individual:
We can help you find a nonprofit 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 Derrick Coburn at Derrick.Coburn@uwcentralohio.org or 614.227.8708 (office), 614.769.5895 (cell).
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 Garth Weithman at garth.weithman@uwcentralohio.org or 614.227.2736.
Volunteer United is launching now at volunteerunitedcbus.org! United Way’s powerful, new online tool connects passionate volunteers in central Ohio to meaningful projects posted by our nonprofit partners. You can find opportunities with your favorite organization, or you can search for opportunities based on the causes you support or the skills you bring to the table. Volunteer United helps you keep track of your volunteer hours and see the impact you’re having throughout the year. You can also “follow” nonprofits and receive updates whenever a new volunteer need is posted.
United Way’s nonprofit partners are currently working hard to add their volunteer opportunities to volunteerunitedcbus.org. While you may find a rewarding opportunity today, you can expect to see the number of projects expand throughout the coming weeks.
Learn more and get started today at volunteerunitedcbus.org!
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.
