Most people have heard of United Way and know that it is “good.” They see our logo, branding and ads around town and understand that we are doing “good” for the community. Many people even decide to trust us to invest their hard earned dollars toward doing “good” in the community. However, when pressed for details on how we do good or what good we do, these same people often come up empty handed.

True, United Way does a lot of good for the community. However, we are only as good as our supporters, as all of the work we do involves a true community effort.

Many people think of us as a branch or chapter of some large, national organization. The truth is, United Way of Central Florida is completely local. We pay dues for membership to a national trade association called United Way Worldwide along with about 1200 similar, local organizations across the country. These very reasonable dues in turn allow us to use the United Way brand, which enforces credibility, as we must follow strict responsible-non-profit guidelines when using the United Way name. Further, the membership comes with outstanding national marketing efforts, training and support, and many other resources that enable local United Ways to thrive while keeping overhead costs minimal. Low overhead, high productivity and responsibility…all good.

The most common misinterpretation of United Way is the assumption we are solely a fundraising entity. United Way of Central Florida remains the largest community-wide fundraiser, but has put in place systems to more efficiently and effectively invest those funds in addressing our community’s most pressing needs. Agencies requesting funding follow strict regulations to be endorsed by United Way, and their programs are granted United Way funds based on how effectively they address our community goal of strengthening Education, Income and Health.

United Way also strives to address unmet needs in our community by forming partnerships, initiatives or programs as resources allow. A few notable products of these collaborations are Success By 6, 2-1-1, Let’s Grow, and Family Fundamentals. Addressing needs, solving problems, and making the community a better place to live, work and grow…all good.

It is also important to point out the systems United Way has in place are completely community driven, from defining the focus and community need to providing the resources and investing them where they will best address those needs. We enlist community volunteers throughout the process to keep overhead low, encourage community involvement and to ensure the community’s hard earned dollars are being invested in a way that they agree will influence the condition of all. United Way rallying the community to create lasting change…very good.

At any given time, our staff members, Board of Directors, Campaign and Community Impact teams are meeting with local organizations: giving advice; encouraging collaborations of similar local programs; serving on committees; connecting people and ideas with resources; raising funds; volunteering; encouraging involvement and partnerships; educating the public about United Way; making tough decisions for the greater good of the community; and expecting accountability and high standards and - most of all - results from programs we work with, whether through partnerships or grants. It is all about making our community a better place to live – for everyone.