About United way of greater charlottesville
United Way of Greater Charlottesville: Building Stronger Communities Together
At the United Way—Thomas Jefferson Area, we believe that when people from all backgrounds come together, the result is a stronger, more vibrant community. Our mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. We work tirelessly to bring together individuals and organizations in order to create lasting change in our region.
Our History
The United Way—Thomas Jefferson Area was founded in 1943 as the Charlottesville-Albemarle War Chest. Since then, we have evolved into a leading nonprofit organization that serves communities throughout Central Virginia. Our service area includes Albemarle County, Charlottesville City, Fluvanna County, Greene County, Louisa County and Nelson County.
Our Approach
We take a collaborative approach to addressing community needs. We work with local nonprofits and other organizations to identify areas where we can make the greatest impact. By pooling resources and expertise, we are able to tackle complex issues such as poverty, education inequality and access to healthcare.
One of our key initiatives is the Community Impact Fund. This fund supports programs that address critical needs in our region such as affordable housing, mental health services and workforce development programs.
We also offer volunteer opportunities for individuals who want to get involved in their communities but may not know where or how to start. Our Volunteer Center connects volunteers with local nonprofits who need their help.
Our Impact
Over the years, we have made significant progress towards improving lives in Central Virginia. In 2020 alone:
- We invested over $1 million into local nonprofits through our Community Impact Fund.
- We provided over 2 million meals through partnerships with local food banks.
- We helped over 1,000 families access affordable housing.
- We connected over 4 thousand volunteers with opportunities to give back.
But there is still much work left to be done. Poverty rates remain high in many parts of our region; access to healthcare and mental health services is limited for many residents; and educational opportunities are not always equal.
How You Can Help
There are many ways to get involved with the United Way—Thomas Jefferson Area. You can donate to our Community Impact Fund, which supports critical programs in our region. You can also volunteer your time and skills through our Volunteer Center.
If you are a nonprofit organization looking for support, we encourage you to apply for funding through our Community Impact Fund or reach out to us about potential partnerships.
Conclusion
At the United Way—Thomas Jefferson Area, we believe that everyone deserves access to basic needs such as food, shelter and healthcare. We also believe that by working together, we can create lasting change in our communities. Join us in building a stronger Central Virginia today!