We are your United Way.
United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg is a nonprofit organization that exists to mobilize the caring power of our local communities to help those in need and to create opportunities for all people to thrive. We are focused on creating community-based and community-led solutions that strengthen the cornerstones for a good quality of life: youth opportunity, financial stability, and healthy communities.
We are part of United Way Worldwide, a nonprofit engaged in nearly 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories worldwide. Learn more about United Way’s worldwide efforts.
Who we support and where
We support low-income and other vulnerable groups of children, families, and older adults in 13 localities and over one million residents: the cities of Richmond, Petersburg, Hopewell, and Colonial Heights, and the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan, and Prince George. Our extensive reach across multiple communities allows us to share innovations and scale solutions, improving lives throughout our region.
We are committed to building resilient communities to ensure individuals and families of all ages have ongoing support beyond the immediate crisis, promoting sustainable recovery and resilience. Our work centers around creating mobility out of poverty. United Way takes a holistic approach to community impact, supporting children, families, and older adults in meeting basic needs, accessing quality learning opportunities, and achieving financial stability.
Why we are needed
When people unite to take action, change is possible. Even if we can’t solve every problem the community faces, through coordination, resourcefulness, and persistence, we will solve so much more than any of us could alone. In times of crisis, it is rare that needs are isolated to one service provider. No single nonprofit may be able to provide all the necessary support a family or individual needs. Donations to United Way create a united force, reaching multiple providers and maximizing impact.
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to thrive and have access to opportunity-rich neighborhoods, quality education, fulfilling jobs, and live in healthy environments with good healthcare access. Whenever our communities face challenges, United Way responds with a comprehensive approach, listening and acting on local needs.
For over a century, United Way has partnered with local communities to co-create solutions to pressing challenges, united people and resources to address the needs of our most vulnerable residents, and tackled root causes. We work tirelessly to strengthen local resilience, advance health, foster youth opportunity, and promote financial security, aiming for a future where every person in every community can achieve their full potential. By working together with persistence and resourcefulness, we can solve more challenges than we could alone.
Our commitment is steadfast — from systemic change to immediate needs, we are driven by our united purpose. Together, we can create greater opportunities for all people in our region to thrive.
How we work
-We do research to understand pressing needs and effective solutions.
-We engage the community, businesses, and individuals to give, advocate, and volunteer.
-We invest resources in community-based programs and initiatives that support critical services and coordinate systems.
-We connect people in need to services.
-We distribute crisis support effectively to those most in need, maximizing the impact of available resources because of our expertise in community engagement and resource allocation.
-We understand pressing needs and organize solutions.