Ten Things to Know About United Way of Greater New Haven

1. Your contribution to United Way improves lives and builds stronger communities.

United Way works to reduce economic and education disparity in our region through investments focused on our region’s greatest needs: jobs and housing; children and youth; health and civic engagement; emergency food and shelter; and disaster preparedness and response.  

2. Your United Way contribution is an investment in your community.

United Way invests your contribution in programs that are improving peoples lives right here in Greater New Haven.  Visit www.uwgnh.org to learn more about how your contribution is working to build a stronger region.

3. United Way invests in local programs with an emphasis on measuring and achieving long-lasting results.

Your contribution to United Way’s Community Fund or to a community priority area is invested in local programs with a proven track record for achieving measurable results.  It’s not just about how many meals are served or how many beds are filled, it’s about creating lasting change in people lives and in the community. United Way’s Community Action Plan, developed by knowledgeable and committed volunteers, includes specific goals and desired results that can achieve this lasting change. Together with United Way, prevent problems from happening in the first place and that make our community stronger for all of us.

4. We want all children in our region to be ready to learn when they begin school. 

That’s why United Way of Greater New Haven launched Success By 6®.  We know that children who have a quality preschool experience and supported, engaged parents are more likely to have the skills they need to learn and thrive when they begin school.  And we know that early learning success is tied to, among other positive outcomes, better readers, fewer dropouts and reduced involvement in the criminal justice system.  United Way invests dollars, helps lead community efforts and coordinates dialogues that are leading to better opportunities for our children.

5. We encourage and celebrate civic engagement in our community.

United helps people across the region give back through:

• Volunteer Link, a web-based service that lists thousands of volunteer opportunities and matches community members who want to help with local nonprofit organizations that need their help.
• Days of Caring, an annual effort that brings together thousands of volunteers for community service projects. United Way also support year ‘round family and corporate volunteer activity.
• United Way investments in local programs that help people understand the importance of civic engagement and volunteerism and connect them to their community in concrete ways.

6. United Way of Greater New Haven is guided by local leaders and community members.

While United Way of Greater New Haven (UWGNH) is part of the national United Way system, our organization is locally incorporated as a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization. For over eighty years all decisions made by UWGNH have been overseen by a board of directors and various committees made up of local community volunteers and professionals. A diverse group of volunteer leaders, in conjunction with skilled professional staff, makes the decisions about how and where your contribution is invested. This volunteer process adds community knowledge to your contribution and ensures that local needs are addressed.

7. Payroll Deduction is an easy and budget-friendly way to make a difference.

Because of their trust in United Way, hundreds of employers throughout Greater New Haven offer payroll deduction as an easy way for employees to fit their United Way contribution into their family budget.

Example: The cost of just one lunch-for-two per week can turn into a substantial leadership gift of over $1,000 ($20 x 52 = $1,040). That gift could pay for after school care for forty children in New Haven.

8. We value your opinion and your choice.

Your gift can be directed to:

• Community Fund – Invested by citizen volunteers in local programs focused on both immediate needs and long-lasting changes for our community.


• Successful Children and Youth -- Providing children and youth with appropriate tools, supports and opportunities to become strong individuals and successful members of our community.


• Success By 6 -- Increasing the number of children who have a high quality preschool experience, improving the quality of preschool throughout our region, supporting parents and raising community awareness.


• Economically Vibrant Communities -- Creating opportunities for all people to secure safe and affordable housing, acquire skills and training to maintain employment, and become successful, contributing citizens.


• Healthy and Connected Communities -- Providing opportunities for citizens of all ages to be healthy, active and caring members of our community.


• A local nonprofit organization focused on health or human services.

9. A contribution to United Way is the most efficient way to invest in your community.

Thanks to hundreds of volunteers and our collaboration with the local business community, UWGNH is able to conduct the fundraising and administration of the organization at less than 20% cost. The Better Business Bureau sets a standard of 35% as acceptable overhead cost for nonprofit organizations. We are continually trying to improve on the efficiency of the organization and we have several committees that look at financial controls and improved business practices.
UWGNH follows generally accepted accounting practices and conducts an annual, independent audit. Audited financial statements are made available to the public upon request and the Statement of Activities is posted on our web site.