United Way of Greater Cincinnati

Community Impact SolutionsSee Schedule OUnited Way of Greater Cincinnati believes all families in our region deserve economic well-being, so we build long-term solutions and align systems to help people thrive. We work closely with communities to identify patterns, uncover the greatest need and change systems so more people have economic stability. We unite individuals, companies and organizations to invest their time, financial resources and talents as part of our movement to bring economic well-being to all families throughout the region. In 2023, United Way focused on creating impact through three key strategies:* We take action We develop and deploy high-impact solutions to address community-identified needs. We collaborate to achieve shared objectives and create community-owned solutions.* We advocate We amplify community voice and experience. We develop and advance research, data, tools and recommendations to educate stakeholders, and to drive action.* We invest We support individuals and families in crisis. And, we fund partners to advance innovative solutions and address systemic challenges to prevent future needs. WE TAKE ACTIONAmong the accomplishments produced by this strategy in 2023 include: * Assisted more than 1,200 families in building a stronger financial foundation through United Way's Project LIFT, a public/private partnership that helps families remove barriers to securing sustainable income and achieving financial stability. The program expanded to serve Northern Kentucky and Clermont County.* Helped many families navigate community resources and services. United Way's 211 Helpline responded to more than 55,000 requests, connecting people to resources related to basic needs, housing, utility bills and more.* Completed nearly 7,100 tax returns for low-to-moderate-income families through United Way's Free Tax Prep Initiative. Powered by almost 400 volunteers, Free Tax Prep saved taxpayers more than $2.1 million in tax prep fees and helped them obtain nearly $8.7 million in refunds. * Worked with 359 Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky families enrolled in United Way's Stable Families program; 62% were able to maintain stable housing for 12 months; 35% increased their income.* Supported 125 families, many of them kinship care families, through the Adopt-A-Family effort during the 2023 holidays. WE ADVOCATE* United Way accomplishments produced by this strategy in 2023 include: Partnered with Groundwork Ohio and The Prichard Committee to advance early childhood education in Ohio and Kentucky, including securing $154 million in public investment in child care and preschool in Ohio.* Supported efforts to secure an 82% increase for the Ohio College Opportunity Grant, Ohio's primary need-based college financial aid program, and the Governor's Merit Scholarship for high school seniors who graduate in the top 5% of their class and attend a four-year college in Ohio.* Supported efforts to pass a Kentucky joint resolution and two Kentucky bills: House Joint Resolution 39 aimed to help families in the state avoid the benefits cliff; House Bill 21 allows people experiencing homelessness to get a driver's license or state ID at a reduced cost; and House Bill 165 supports Kentucky's Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership. * Announced a new partnership with Broadband Ohio to serve as the backbone agency for the Southwest Ohio Regional Digital Inclusion Alliance and conducted a regional planning process to identify community assets and barriers to close the digital divide. * Engaged the community through United Way's Volunteer Connection. Before the 2023-2024 school year began, collected 2,700 backpacks filled with supplies and distributed them to local students. WE INVESTThe accomplishments produced by this strategy in 2023 include: * United Way invested $36 million in 2023 to build a thriving community.* The above total included $30.9 million in new solutions and prevention support that encourage economic well-being, and $5.1 million in critical services that address immediate needs.* 322,000 people were served in our region.* More than 490 community partners helped families daily.* United Way also administered $7 million in public funds to support strategic community initiatives.

Direct ServicesSee Schedule ODirect Services are services provided by UWGC, such as United Way 211 and United Way Volunteer Connection. United Way 211 and Care Coordination links people to services and volunteer opportunities. United Way 211 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to people in: Hamilton, Clermont, and Brown in Ohio Boone, Kenton, Campbell, and Grant counties in Kentucky and Dearborn, Jefferson, Ohio, Ripley, and Switzerland counties in Indiana. United Way Volunteer Connection strives to increase the effectiveness and participation of all segments of volunteer resources through recruitment, training, education, and recognition. United Way VITA program provides free income tax preparation and filing services.

Donor DesignationsSee Schedule ODonor DesignationsAs part of the UWGC campaign, donors may designate all or a portion of their pledge to a UWGC initiative or impact area, a UWGC agency partner, or another United Way. Some donors are able to designate to any 501(c)(3) organization, based on their company's giving platform. Organizations receiving donor designated contributions through UWGC undergo screening prior to distribution of funding. Screening includes verification of compliance with the provisions of the Patriot Act and verification of current status as an IRS code section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Designations received in the fall campaign are distributed the following year based upon amounts collected.