United Way of Asheville & Buncombe County

Background

United Way of Asheville & Buncombe County (UWABC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a strong, caring community where residents are educated, financially stable, and healthy. Established in 1921, UWABC has evolved to address the community's most pressing issues by mobilizing people, partners, and resources. The organization's vision is "a united and resilient community where everyone belongs and everyone thrives," and its mission is to "mobilize and support a robust network of people, partners, and resources to co-create opportunities for every person in our community to live free from poverty and injustice."

Key Strategic Focus

UWABC's strategic focus centers on providing leadership, alignment, and support for initiatives like United for Youth and Community Schools to elevate student success, support families, and engage communities throughout Buncombe County. Recognizing that education and equity are inseparable, the organization aims to ensure that all Asheville City and Buncombe County students graduate from high school ready and fully prepared to pursue their goals and dreams by 2035.

Financials and Funding

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, UWABC relies on contributions, grants, and program service revenue to fund its operations. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, the organization reported total revenue of $5,078,565 and total expenses of $5,273,841, resulting in a net loss of $195,276. The majority of revenue (84.5%) came from contributions and grants, while program service revenue accounted for 14%. Total assets at the end of the fiscal year were $8,032,072, with net assets of $6,779,988.

Pipeline Development

UWABC's key initiatives include:

United for Youth: A multigenerational, cross-sector, cradle-to-career partnership aiming to ensure that all children and youth learn, grow, and thrive in a vibrant, healthy, and connected community.

Community Schools: Serving as hubs of opportunity, these schools provide integrated student supports, expanded learning time, family and community engagement, and collaborative leadership practices to address the holistic needs of students and their families.

Hands On Asheville-Buncombe: A volunteer center connecting individuals and groups with meaningful service opportunities to address community needs.

Technological Platform and Innovation

UWABC leverages various technological platforms to enhance its operations and community engagement:

NC 211: A 24/7 information and referral helpline connecting individuals to health and human services resources.

Data Analytics: Utilizing data to inform decision-making, measure program effectiveness, and identify areas for improvement.

Leadership Team

UWABC's leadership team comprises experienced professionals dedicated to advancing the organization's mission:

Daniel Leroy, CEO: Compensation of $140,364.

April Lambert, Vice President of Finance: Compensation of $85,497.

Susanne Swanger, Chair: Serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors.

Leadership Changes

No recent significant changes or appointments within the company's leadership have been reported.

Competitor Profile

As a nonprofit organization, UWABC operates in a collaborative environment with other organizations addressing similar community needs. While not direct competitors, organizations such as the YWCA of Asheville & WNC share overlapping missions in areas like education, health, and financial stability. The YWCA focuses on eliminating racism and empowering women, offering programs that complement UWABC's initiatives.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

UWABC collaborates with various partners to strengthen its impact:

United for Youth Network: A coalition of nearly 150 youth, school, and community partners, including Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools, working together to improve educational outcomes.

Community Schools: Partnerships with local schools to implement the community school strategy, providing integrated support services to students and families.

Operational Insights

UWABC's strategic considerations include:

Community-Centered Approach: Engaging community members in decision-making processes to ensure programs address local needs effectively.

Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data to assess program effectiveness and inform strategic planning.

Equity Focus: Prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of operations to address systemic inequities.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

UWABC's strategic roadmap includes:

Expansion of Community Schools: Increasing the number of community schools to provide more students and families with integrated support services.