United Way of America (now United Way Worldwide) based in Alexandria, Virginia, is a nonprofit organization that works with almost 1,200 local United Way offices throughout the country in a coalition of charitable organizations to pool efforts in fundraising and support. United Way’s focus is to identify and resolve important community issues and to make measurable, sustainable changes in communities through partnerships with schools, government agencies, businesses, organized labor, financial institutions, community development corporations, voluntary and neighborhood associations, the faith community, and others. The main areas of focus include education, income, and health, which aligns with the mission of the MurthyNAYAK Foundation – a longtime supporter.

United Way identifies and builds on community strengths and assets, helps individuals and groups with specific community interests find ways to contribute their time and talents, supports direct-service programs and community-change efforts, and advocates public-policy changes. All of this is done in collaboration with diverse partners. Depending on the issue and how the community chooses to address it, United Way coordinates with schools, government agencies, businesses, organized labor, financial institutions, community development corporations, voluntary and neighborhood associations, the religious community, and others.

Some of the common themes addressed by United Way include:

• Helping children and youth succeed through engagement
• Strengthening and supporting families
• Improving access to health care
• Promoting financial stability

ON THE WEB: http://www.uwcm.org/main/