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United Way celebrates its quasquicentennial
In 1887, a Denver woman, a priest, two ministers and a rabbi recognized the need for cooperative action to address their city's welfare problems. They created an organization to collect funds for local charities, as well as to coordinate relief services, counsel and refer clients to cooperating agencies, and make emergency assistance grants in cases which could not be referred. That year, Denver raised $21,700 and created a movement that would spread throughout the country to become United Way. Over 125 years later, United Way is still focused on improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world. Join the celebration this May at the United Way Community Leaders Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Register to attend and learn more about sponsorship opportunities. United Way appreciates the generosity of UPS, Caterpillar Foundation, Kellogg Company, FedEx Corporation and U.S. Bank for your event sponsorships.
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New Year brings new increases
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Campaign Increases |
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Company |
Campaign Total |
Percent Increase |
New Dollars |
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Abbott |
*$7,138,135 |
7.48% |
$533,878 |
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ITW |
$11,455,823 |
10.2% |
$1,061,179 |
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The Mosaic Company |
*$1,650,000 |
3% |
$60,000 |
* Employee Pledges
Many campaign results are not yet complete; we anticipate having more good news to share in the coming months.
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United Way Spirit of America® and Summit Awards silver anniversary application now available
For 25 years, the United Way Spirit of America® and Summit Awards have been recognizing top corporate citizens for outstanding employee and community engagement and measurable impact in the areas of education, income and health. This year, in addition to the overall Spirit of America Award, up to 11 Summit Awards will be presented to companies that excel in Community Impact, Volunteer Engagement and Philanthropic Engagement. Applications are due on March 1, 2012. Request your application today.
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Rapper Shawn Jay-Z Carter concerts will raise awareness of dropout crisis
New York City has the largest income gap in the U.S., and thirty percent of children in New York City live in poverty — poverty has the strongest correlation to dropout rates. Because of statistics like these, coupled with the fact that thirty-nine percent of New York City students who enter high school will not graduate on time, United Way of New York City, The Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation and Jay-Z are engaging activists and philanthropists to provide resources and opportunities for students. In his most intimate performances in years, Jay-Z will headline at Carnegie Hall, in the Stern Auditorium, raising millions for United Way of New York City and the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation on February 6 and 7. Concert goers will get a once-in-a-lifetime experience as Jay-Z takes the stage at the New York landmark to raise dollars that will help boost on-time graduation rates in underserved New York City schools and put college within reach for low-income students across the five boroughs. Submit interest for your tickets today.
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Bank of America study finds women more strategic in giving
A recent study of high net worth women's philanthropy, conducted by Bank of America, indicates that wealthy women are more strategic about their giving than wealthy men, more engaged in the causes they support, and more focused on the impact of their giving. Women spend more time than men on their homework before giving to a charity, the study says, and are more likely to create an annual giving strategy or budget. Due to this level of engagement, women expect meaningful communication with a charity, and care about its efficiency and effectiveness and want to hear about the impact of their gift. They also want to be more involved, and volunteering represents one of their main motivations to give. Read more and learn about United Way Women's Leadership Councils.
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AT&T employee pays it forward
In 2008, Luke, an AT&T dispatcher in Dallas, and his wife welcomed the birth of their first child, but nearly 6 weeks later they received the devastating diagnosis that Tristan had cerebral palsy. The diagnosis followed a year of government red tape in trying to provide the baby with the help she desperately needed. In the interim, Luke's AT&T benefits were able to supply needed therapies for his daughter. At three, Tristan is on her way to walking and has been transitioned into school part-time because she's so smart. Luke knows that he is fortunate to work for a supportive company like AT&T. Although he didn't need to rely on United Way, he realizes that many are not in the same position. That's why he is committed to giving back through his United Way financial investment, serving on the United Way AT&T employee campaign committee and volunteering in his community. “If you're not someone who requires assistance, then you should be giving it,” said Luke. “It's about paying it forward.” Learn more about the impact of your investment in United Way.
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Target donates $500,000 in holiday trees
Target and United Way teamed-up for Share-A-Tree last month. For 21 years, Target stores across the country have donated decorated holiday trees to nonprofit agencies and families in need. In 2011, more than 2,700 trees were donated to United Way— worth an estimated $500,000. “The holiday season is about sharing with others, especially those in need,” said Laysha Ward, President, Target Community Relations. “With our partners at United Way, Target is honored to continue the tradition of sharing our holiday trees with families across the country.” one beneficiary was the United Way Thomas Jefferson Area, whose community was impacted by a series of devastating natural disasters last year. Over 22 holiday trees were donated to families who otherwise wouldn't have had one. Kim Connelly with the Thomas Jefferson Area United Way said, "So these are the gifts that keep on giving. Every year they can take out these wonderful trees."
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United Way Working with White House Council to Host Community Conversations
United Way will be hosting community conversations this spring as part of a call to action by the White House Council for Community Solutions. To date, 25 United Ways have agreed to be part of this important effort, which will focus on learning more about the challenges everyday people and leaders in communities see in connecting young people to opportunities for a good life.
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It's National Mentoring Month: Tools and tips for volunteer readers, tutors and mentors
Research proves that caring volunteers working with students of all ages have the power to help kids boost academic achievement and put young people on track for a bright future. Join us in boosting early grade reading by pledging to become a volunteer reader, tutor or mentor during National Mentoring Month. Learn more about hands-on activities and exercises that kids will enjoy in Tools & Tips for Reading with Children and check-out these tip sheets: Read with a Child, Tutor a Child and Mentor a Child. The guide also provides creative reading tips such as: managing the setting, reading styles and engaging children to name a few. Download your copy and enhance your volunteer experience.
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IDAG maps United Way Worldwide's international footprint
The United Way Worldwide International Donor Advised Giving Program (IDAG) recently released a world map that highlights United Way-supported education, income and health programs across the globe. From infant nutrition in Argentina to child welfare assistance in Uganda, United Ways are promoting real and sustained community change in local communities.
IDAG assists companies, foundations and individuals with international grant making services with full legal compliance, and processes grants in more than 100 countries worldwide. For more information regarding the IDAG program, please contact Kendra Davis, Director of IDAG. Request a free copy of the map; please include your full name, the name of your company and mailing address.
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Survey points to social networking as a way to engage young adults in social action
A new Walden University survey of 11 countries reveals that when it comes to positive social change, young adults across the globe are leveraging social networking to get involved; an average of 29% of young adults have used social networking sites in the past six months to engage in social change. The highest reported use is in Mexico (40%), India (39%) and Great Britain (37%). In China (50%) and Japan (12%), blogging is the top digital way of engaging in social change among young adults. Texting to engage in social change is particularly common in India (38% of 18-25-year-olds).
"Social technology has opened the door to global change, making information pass from person to person, regardless of location, at lightning speed. It's never been easier to connect with others and take action. Individuals now have remarkable power," said Andy Smith, author of The Dragonfly Effect. "But it's those who harness digital technology and social media for pro-social ends who will create the greatest positive social change in the future."
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Born Learning® impacts early learning in Argentina
In December, Fundación Caminando Juntos, a United Way affiliate, celebrated its first implementation of the Born Learning program in Argentina training 25 leaders and caregivers from 12 community centers in the town of Tigre.
Begun in 2005, Born Learning is a public engagement campaign that helps parents, caregivers and communities create quality early learning opportunities for young children. Today, some 700 United Ways and early childhood coalitions or organizations worldwide have implemented Born Learning.
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Bora Sapo grant reaches 1 billion yen in support of Japan disaster relief
The assistance grant Akaihane “The Disaster Relief Volunteer & NPO Support Fund (Bora Sapo),” organized by the Central Community Chest of Japan, a United Way affiliate, exceeded a total of 1 billion yen in November. The fourth grant will assist 331 volunteer groups that have been involved in helping communities affected by the devastating 2011 earthquake. The grant will further relief efforts including counseling services, transportation, childcare support and capacity training to increase job opportunities. The grant will also aid in the reconstruction of Japanese communities.
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Loyal Contributors and United Way stick together
Tell your Loyal Contributors how sweet they are on Valentine's Day with print and e-cards and special pins available through the United Way Store. Let them know how much they are appreciated for “sticking” around and positively impacting the lives of so many people through their consistent, long time support.
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Intel retirees impact communities through Encore Career Fellowships
Intel employees are impacting communities into retirement through Encore Career Fellowships. This program is aimed at retiring Intel U.S. employees who wish to transition to a new stage of work with local nonprofit organizations, where they help the organization build capacity, operate more efficiently, and ultimately, have a broader impact on their communities. Fellows are embedded as part of the nonprofit staff. This practice allows them to deliver greater impact than the fellows could as volunteers, board members or short-term consultants. The assignment typically lasts six to 12 months, half or full time, and involves a commitment to 1,000 hours of work. Fellows are paid a set annual stipend of $25,000 and receive 6 months of COBRA coverage.
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GE and Microsoft launch joint venture aimed at global healthcare transformation
GE, through its healthcare IT business, and Microsoft Corporation announced plans to create a joint venture aimed at helping healthcare organizations and professionals use real-time, system-wide intelligence to improve healthcare quality and the patient experience. “The global healthcare challenges of access, cost and quality of care delivery are creating a new focus on the performance and accountability of healthcare delivery systems — in every country, at every level of care. This venture will demonstrate what is possible when leading companies with complementary capabilities work together to meet a common goal,” said Jeffrey R. Immelt, chairman and CEO of GE. Read more and learn about United Way's goal for a healthier America.
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