Frequently Asked Questions
Ending poverty is complex, but, united, we can make it happen. We want your path to supporting the mission to be clear and inspiring. Explore our most commonly asked questions below. Still curious? Reach out — we’d love to talk.
General Overview Questions
What is United Way of Greater Greensboro’s mission?
We are committed to ending poverty in Greensboro by uniting community partners and empowering individuals and families through holistic, personalized support.
What makes United Way of Greater Greensboro unique?
Unlike traditional funding models, we don’t just fund programs — we lead systems-level change. Our Integrated Services Model meets people where they are and helps them take strategic steps toward long-term financial stability, and ultimately, our bold goal to END POVERTY in our city.
Why focus on ending poverty in Greensboro?
Greensboro has one of the highest child poverty rates among large U.S. cities. This issue is personal, local, and urgent. But we believe it’s solvable — with your help.
What is “generational poverty”?
Generational poverty is a cycle that can trap families for decades, generation after generation. It’s not about short-term needs, but a lack of long-term access to education, healthcare, housing, jobs, and opportunity. Without resources and support, it is extremely difficult for those trapped in this cycle to get out.
About Our Bold Goal
How was the Bold Goal developed?
The community has spoken, and we listened – Over the past year, United Way of Greater Greensboro (UWGG) worked with a diverse set of stakeholders representing multiple backgrounds, business, and community volunteer groups to develop the Bold Goal. The goal incorporates feedback gathered through:
- A community-wide survey completed by 1,200 people
- Community conversations about race and equity
- 70 Bold Goal committee volunteers
- Final focus group studies completed by 200 people
Why 3,000 households by 2030?
- 3,000 was chosen as the target based on the number of households required to transition out of poverty to reduce greater Greensboro’s poverty rate of around 18.5% to match Guilford County’s overall poverty rate of around 16%.
- The metric of a household was chosen over the metric of a person (or people) so that progress can be measured using US Census and American Community Survey data.
- With an average household size of 2.37 people, achieving the goal would positively impact roughly 7,100 people living in poverty by 2030.
- Nine years establishes a realistic timeframe for the Bold Goal to be achieved. It also complements UWGGS’s strategic planning cycle, the 2030 Vision Plan for Downtown Greensboro and the City of Greensboro’s “GSO2040” plan.
Why does our community need a Bold Goal?
The Bold Goal belongs to all of us–our entire community must work together to achieve it. But why do we need it? Poverty is an everyday reality for over 57,000 people in greater Greensboro:
- One out of every four children in Greensboro is growing up in poverty.
- There are neighborhoods in our community where over 40% of the population have lived in poverty for multiple generations.
- Poverty disproportionately impacts people of color.
Why did United Way take the lead on developing the Bold Goal?
Since 2015, our single focus has been to reduce the number of people living in generational poverty. The Bold Goal is UWGG’s next step in rallying our community around our shared interest to end local poverty. UWGG is committed to pursuing sustainable outcomes by working not only to support families living in poverty, but to also change how the local system works to support those families.
How will United Way accomplish the Bold Goal?
With community-wide collaboration from nonprofits, businesses, leaders, and caring people from across our community, with agility and willingness to learn and update approaches along the way. Specifically, we will:
- Create and fund strategic partnerships with proven outcomes that provide education, training and support to help people get jobs that can provide for their households.
- Continue to operate our nationally recognized Family Success Centers, where children and adults are receiving coordinated services, tailored to their individual needs, in one location.
- Focus on systems change and innovation, which is why we’re developing a county-wide mobile-friendly network that will connect people to services, and coordinators who will help them identify, track, and achieve their personal goals for leaving poverty.
How will you track and report collective community progress?
- Community-wide tracking and reporting will rely upon continued and new collaborations that are supportive of collecting and reporting common data.
- United Way is committed to collaborating with all community partners that support the achievement of the Bold Goal to collect and report common data and provide annual updates of our collective progress along the way.
- The achievement of the Bold Goal is a nine-year, long-term strategy, and it takes time to help someone transition out of poverty. As such, it is expected annual progress may start out slow, but will build year over year as individuals continue their journeys out of poverty.
What is my role in supporting the Bold Goal achievement?
- Sharing the Bold Goal with your friends, family, and colleagues and discussing how you could help.
- Identifying or becoming community partners and citizens who are willing to explore partnerships that work together to achieve the Bold Goal.
- Identifying and advocating for local system changes that support communitywide solutions.
- If you represent a company, evaluate pay rates, consider ways to help citizens gain and keep family-sustaining employment, and help employees attain educational degrees and certifications.
- Donating to UWGG to support strategic partnerships and initiatives.
Donating, Volunteering, & Getting Involved
How can I give to United Way of Greater Greensboro?
Visit our Donate Page to explore options for individual, monthly, planned legacy, and corporate campaign giving opportunities. There are so many ways to become an investor in our mission!
Can I direct my gift to a specific program?
Yes! You can designate your donation to a specific initiative. However, giving to our general fund helps us respond where the need is greatest. We are uniquely positioned as a holistic resource for the community and able to point dollars where they are best allocated at any given time.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, United Way of Greater Greensboro is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. You will receive a confirmation email with your tax documentation upon donation.
How can I volunteer?
Whether you’re an individual, student, or corporate group, we have meaningful opportunities year-round. Visit our Volunteer Page to get started.
Can I get involved even if I can’t give money right now?
Absolutely. Volunteering your time, using your voice to advocate, or simply spreading the word are powerful ways to join the movement. Join our mission at any age, in any season, and with whatever gifts, skills, time, and means you have.
Programs & Partners
What programs does United Way of Greater Greensboro run or fund?
Our work spans direct initiatives like Family Success Centers and 2-1-1, as well as partner-funded programs in education, employment, and health.
How do I apply for a grant as a nonprofit partner?
Nonprofits can apply for poverty-relieving or poverty-ending grants through our annual process. Visit our [Nonprofit Partners Page] for eligibility criteria and grant applications.
How do I become a corporate partner?
Corporate partners can come alongside us through events, group volunteering, sponsorships, and workplace investment campaigns. Visit our Corporate Partners Page to get your business connected and join the mission. When local businesses and organizations stand together, the whole community will thrive.
Get in Touch
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
We’re here to help. Use the button below to send us a message or call our main line during business hours.
