About Us
United Way of Greater Atlanta has been serving the community for almost 120 years. We are one of the largest chapters within the United Way Worldwide network of more than 1,700 independent local chapters serving communities across the world.
What we do
Greater Atlanta is one of the most vibrant regions in the country, but the region has significant barriers to realizing its potential in the future because of its continued ranking at the bottom of the list of metro areas in income mobility. Children born in low-income households have only a 4% chance of getting out of poverty in their lifetime.
We at United Way of Greater Atlanta don’t like those odds. Our work is about changing them so that children — regardless of where they’re born — have the chance to realize their potential and build lives that sustain themselves, their families, and their communities.
View our Financial statements.
FY 2022 990 | FY 2023 Financial Statement
Our Mission
Engage and bring together people and resources to drive sustainable and equitable improvements in the well-being of children, families, and individuals in the community.
Our Vision
Greater Atlanta is a thriving and inclusive community where every person, regardless of race, identity, or circumstances, has equitable opportunities to live a healthy life and to acquire the education and skills they need to earn a sustaining wage so that they may achieve their full potential.
History
United Way was founded in 1905 by 27-year-old attorney Joseph Logan following a snow and ice storm that left many without food and supplies. His mission – which inspires ours to this day – was to mobilize the caring power of the community to provide a hand up to anyone in need.
Recent Milestones
1997
211
Created first-ever 24/7multi-language referral service connecting people to agencies with the resources and supports they need.
2003
Regional Commission on Homelessness
Created to address homelessness in our region.
2003
GEEARs – Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students
2011
CareerRise
Spun off as its own nonprofit in 2022, CareerRise strengthens the local workforce ecosystem through upskilling employees to meet employer needs.
2017
Child Well-Being Agenda
Launched to focus efforts and investments on improving the well-being of children, the families that support them and the communities that surround them.
2020-2021
Greater Atlanta COVID Response and Recovery Fund
Raised and distributed over $28 million to 480 nonprofits to address urgent needs arising from pandemic.
2021
United for Racial Equity and Healing Fund
Created to address systemic causes of racial disparities in child well-being.
We believe it takes a blend of different strengths, backgrounds and perspectives working collaboratively to meet big challenges and drive large-scale, long-lasting change.
Where we serve
United Way of Greater Atlanta serves thirteen counties in the Atlanta metro area. We have an active presence in all of those counties and extensive connections in each of those communities through our County Advisory Boards, our network of partner nonprofits, and numerous partnerships with local governments, community leaders, businesses, schools, and faith communities.
