#UnitedInCaring for

United in Caring

Our Community

United Way improves lives through the caring power of community. We partner with multiple government and social service agencies, hundreds of businesses and thousands of individuals to make life better for everyone who lives in our community.

You may have heard of us because of our annual United Way Campaign. Each fall, businesses and individuals pledge gifts to support agencies and programs that improve lives in our community. The majority of dollars raised through the Campaign are allocated to the 17 United Way Partner Agencies to sustain their programs and services. More than 150 volunteers are involved in deciding how those dollars are allocated.

A portion of the dollars raised during the Campaign is held in a grant-making fund called the United Way Community Investment Fund. Qualifying area nonprofits are invited to apply for grants that further meet community or agency needs.

For example, one grant from the United Way Community Investment Fund was used to buy sensory equipment for UCP’s Adult Program. They were able to expand their building but needed help purchasing the often time expensive sensory equipment. That’s when United Way donors and volunteers stepped up to meet the need.

In addition to supporting 17 Partner Agencies, United Way is home to 7 Initiatives that go beyond meeting immediate needs and aim to address the underlying causes of issues in our community. United Way seeks to strengthen our community whether that’s through improving the early education system; educating and empowering leaders; providing career exploration opportunities for students or by promoting volunteerism.

United Way’s role goes far beyond raising and allocating money and the implementation of United Way Initiatives. 

United Way staff participate in a number of community coalitions, committees, task forces and efforts to improve the community. Often, United Way plays an active role by providing staff resources, leadership, facilitation, advocacy and action. 

Why should you give to United Way?

  •  One gift supports many agencies, dozens of programs and thousands of individuals.
  • You have the opportunity to guide how donor dollars are invested in our community.
  • United Way makes it easy for you to care for our community and everyone who lives here.
  •  United Way is able to respond quickly when the unexpected happens.
  •  You value transparency and accountability. Agencies who receive United Way funding are held responsible for meeting our community’s needs.
  •  It might feel hard to make a difference on your own. Your gift to United Way is combined with thousands of other gifts to make a HUGE impact! 

homeless

 

The United Way Network

agencies

2040United Way & Imagine St. Joseph 2040

Since 2018, the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater St. Joseph have worked together to lead the way with residents to imagine and plan for our city's future. As a co-leader in this effort, United Way donors, volunteers and staff have committed to the action items of investing in people, creating a better place and growing prosperity. United Way is also committed to ensuring the work of our Partner Agencies and Initiatives align with the plan. 

See what your gift made possible last year!

 

Click here to see other areas of work your gift to United Way supports!