History and Mission

For over 30 years, United Way of the National Capital Area has been a recognized leader in community building in the Washington area. UWNCA was founded in 1974 when the United Givers Fund and the Health and Welfare Council merged, creating the 23rd largest United Way in the nation. From the beginning, United Way of the National Capital Area enjoyed a strategic partnership with United Black Fund of Greater Washington. By 1980, UWNCA became the first United Way to include nationally known nonprofits, such as the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society, in its annual fundraising campaign.

Today, UWNCA coordinates one of the largest annual fundraising campaigns in the country. The campaign disperses millions in funds to almost 900 nonprofit partners – certified by UWNCA -- that provide health and human service programs to Washington area residents. The campaign also includes nine Community Impact Funds, which work to solve complex social issues by directing funds to the most critical areas of need.

Mission

United Way of the National Capital Area is unique in its ability to bring together the resources provided by caring people, over 30 years of organizational experience, extraordinary leadership, and thousands of dedicated volunteers to address the most critical problems throughout the Washington metro region.

Vision

To be the acknowledged leader in charitable impact in the Washington metro area
To be a model of integrity, ethics and honesty for the non-profit community
To serve as the vehicle of choice for directing donations to the most deserving causes
To be the “convener” of business, agency, community and civic leaders around the needs of the community
To be an area-wide community builder that responds to needs in the national capital area
To be an efficient and effective organization with the highest standards of accountability
To be a resource that is accessible to all citizens and celebrates diversity
To be an organization that inspires and facilitates employer aspirations for good citizenship
To be an organization that creates opportunities for citizens to be meaningfully involved in the community

Read our Code of Conduct to learn more about our mission and standards of excellence.