History
United Way of North Central Florida was formed in 1957. It is one of 1,400 similar organizations in the United States, Canada and other countries. Each organization is totally autonomous regarding principles, policies, activities and methods of operation.
Accountability to the public has been United Way’s strongest suit. Each year, volunteers work together in a massive civic endeavor to raise funds that are allocated to programs that make a measurable difference in the impact areas of education, income and health. Through effective volunteer management, costs are kept low minimum, thus insuring that the community receives maximum benefit from its contributions.
In its 50-year history, the United Way of North Central Florida has experienced steady growth both in campaign and community influence. Last year, the United Way’s total community impact was more than $8.5 million.
How United Way Works
First and foremost, our goal is to create significant impact in our community. To achieve this impact at a community level, we must expand our reach by broadening and deepening engagement, increasing our differentiation and enhancing relationships. With advancing the common good as our new strategy, it’s time to re-imagine the United Way experience. It’s time to invite more people to join us, to help them better understand what we do, and deepen our relationships. We are in the community change business — not the nonprofit funding business. This is a new and positive direction that will require courage and commitment from all those who are interested in making North Central Florida the best place to live for everyone.
Investing In United Way
United Way is investing in strategies and programs that are making an impact on the areas of greatest need in our community. The investment of funds and other resources are based on addressing these key community issues. United Way staff, agencies and volunteers use a six-month process to determine how investments in United Way are distributed among programs that will help create lasting change in our community. Investments go to programs that help the largest number of the neediest people and show measurable results. More than 70 volunteers and 24 agencies participate in the process.
To see specific work that United Way and our partners are doing, click on the links below:
Vision, Mission & Core Values
The foundation for our community impact work begins with the statement of the mission, vision, and core values for United Way of North Central Florida.
Vision:
Leading the community to focus on issues and build solutions that improve lives.
Mission:
To improve people's lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.
Core Values:
Accountability – We act with integrity and maintain the highest standards of ethics and accountability.
Leadership – We provide leadership for community building.
Inclusiveness – We respect the dignity, uniqueness and worth of all individuals and value the diversity of the community we serve.
Volunteerism – We promote a “spirit of volunteerism” and volunteer leadership.
Excellence – We provide the highest quality in all we do.