United Way of Roanoke Valley

United Way of Roanoke Valley is a unique asset to our community. Uw engages local businesses, nonprofits and individuals to determine and prioritize our region's most pressing needs. A committed network of community volunteers determines which programs make the biggest difference in addressing these needs. From july 1, 2021 - june 30, 2022, United Way of Roanoke Valley invested over $ 5.5 million dollars in quality programs, initiatives, and small grants that make a positive difference in the community. $3.2 million for grants specifically awarded to directly support United Way's signature initiatives - smart beginnings and healthy Roanoke Valley, and the remainder came from donations to the community impact fund. Additionally, United Way made investments in the work of other non-profit organizations providing services which addressed key priorities identified in the areas of early learners, successful youth and healthy adults using a funding model that builds on partnerships among service providers to better address client needs and build coalitions that share outcomes to attract other funders. This model results in sustained social progress, streamlined access for clients and deepened connections among partners. In 2021 - 2022 fy, funding was awarded in three tiers. Tier 1 was for the collaborative partnership that addresses family needs through the pathways community hub. Families are identified through community health workers, who then work one on one to identify needs and align the family with supports to meet those needs. United Way invested $200,000 in the pathways community hub partnership. Tier 2 is for system innovation collaborations that address complex social issues through partnerships among the service provider network. United Way invested $461,500 in 3 system innovation collaborations that addressed early education, youth programming, and workforce development. This model has seen 756 children access quality early learning programs through smart2start; 387 youth connected with mentors; over 9,000 people connected to community health workers who assisted with locating necessary resources.

United Way of Roanoke Valley relies on the support of hundreds of volunteers who live in the region. In 2021 2022, 542 volunteers participated in a variety of ways to bring lasting change to our community which included by serving on governance committees, assisting in our annual campaign efforts and reviewing applications and programs during the investment process. Because of their efforts, over $ 5.5 million was secured by uwrv through the annual campaign and grant awards that was reinvested in our community.

United Way of Roanoke Valley also processes direct designations to agencies as a service to its donors. These organizations must meet minimum standards so United Way can accept funds on their behalf. In the fall 2021 campaign, more than 150 agencies received designations through United Way donors amounting to just over $349,926