Our mission is to build a stronger Northwest Vermont by mobilizing our community to improve people’s lives.
United Way isn’t just our name – it’s how we work. We bring together individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and government entities to fight for a strong, vibrant, and healthy community. We fight for the education, financial stability and health of every person in Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties.
Our Values
Inclusion
An inclusive culture puts diversity into action by creating an environment of involvement, respect and connection. Individuals are encouraged to bring their unique beliefs, backgrounds, talents, capabilities and ways of living to advance our mission. We value open-mindedness and respect different perspectives and contributions, with the goal of ensuring equity and opportunities for everyone to achieve their full potential.
Accountability
An accountable culture puts responsibility into action by creating an environment of trust, impact and integrity. We define and deliver on goals, promises and tasks as an individual, organization and community. We value developing trust, employing our empathy and not only doing the right thing, but doing it the right way.
Innovation
An innovative culture puts ingenuity and change into action by creating an environment of responsiveness, creativity and practical approaches to problem solving. We do not just do the new thing, we value harnessing the breadth of our community knowledge to create solutions and solve complex problems.
100% Local
We operate autonomously, make decisions locally and are governed by Board Members from our community. As a member of the United Way network, we pay dues to United Way Worldwide for which we receive benefits including training, support, and the ability to draw on ideas and best practices from United Ways throughout the country.
100% Transparent
We believe transparency builds trust between us, our donors and our partners:
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Community investments are reviewed and informed by community volunteers who serve on our Impact Teams and Community Investment Committee and subject to approval by our Board of Directors.
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Fundraising results, investments and operating expenses are reviewed by our Finance and Operations Committee and subject to approval by our Board of Directors
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Our financial statements are audited annually by a certified public accounting firm, which reports to our Audit Committee and to our Board of Directors.
Prior to April 1, 2016 United Way of Chittenden County and Franklin-Grand Isle United Way were separate organizations. If you wish to see financial statements prior to our merger in FY2017, please request them by calling (802) 864-7541.