Category: Frank McCain

From the Desk of Frank McCain

Posted on by Tammy Myrick

April 11, 2025

Last week, I shared a quote with our team that’s been sitting with me:

“Be the type of person that no matter where you go or where you are, you always add value to the lives of others around you.” – Unknown

That’s what volunteerism is really about. Just showing up. Adding value in ways big and small. Lifting someone else up, even if it’s just for a moment.

Volunteers Power Our Mission

At United Way of Greater Greensboro, we believe in the power of community. The kind where people see a need and act on it.

That’s what I see every time someone volunteers with us or one of our partners. Whether they’re packing hygiene kits, tutoring students, helping with job readiness, or mentoring someone through a tough transition, they’re making a real difference.

And not just for the person they’re serving—but for the community we all call home.

A Catalyst for Collective Action

The needs in our community—like education gaps, housing insecurity, and access to healthcare—are complex. They can’t be solved by one person or organization alone.

They require collaborative effort, and volunteers are a vital part of the solution.

Whether you’re part of a company looking to give back, a student eager to serve, or a community member with time to offer, you are needed.

National Volunteer Week Opportunities

We’ve got several ways for individuals to get involved during National Volunteer Week, April 20–26. Whether it’s supporting youth, addressing food insecurity, helping people secure housing, or pitching in on an environmental project—there’s something for everyone.

Explore opportunities and sign up on our volunteer page.

However you choose to serve, your time makes a real difference—and we’re grateful to have you on this journey with us.

Volunteer Year-Round

Volunteering isn’t just something we celebrate in April. It’s something we depend on all year long.

We offer ongoing ways to serve, including:

  • Supporting events and essential needs drives
  • Joining one of our Affinity Groups
  • Volunteering through a UWGG-coordinated strategic partner activity
  • Creating your own impact through Friends United, our peer-to-peer fundraising initiative

We’ve seen firsthand how one person showing up can change a life—and how enough people doing that can change a whole community.

Final Thought

When I think about building a stronger Greensboro, I think of our dedicated United Way volunteers who show up with more than just good intentions. You bring your time, heart, and a deep commitment to making a difference.

This National Volunteer Week, I invite you to reflect on what “showing up” means to you—and how your continued support creates ripples of change throughout our community.

Because when we show up—fully, intentionally, and together—we remind every person that they matter. And that’s where lasting change begins.

Thank you in advance for showing up!

—
Frank McCain
President & CEO
United Way of Greater Greensboro

Generational Giving: A Powerful Legacy of Impact and Hope

Posted on by Tammy Myrick

By Frank McCain

Generational giving and philanthropy have long been the cornerstone of building thriving communities. Each generation brings unique strengths to this collective effort, creating a generational giving legacy that sustains and uplifts communities today and for years to come. Whether through time, money, advocacy, or volunteering, this legacy unites us, driving progress and inspiring hope.

How Generational Giving Legacy Strengthen Communities

Philanthropy across generations is essential to building thriving communities. At United Way of Greater Greensboro (UWGG), we see this firsthand as we work toward our BOLD goal of moving 3,000 households beyond the federal poverty line by 2030. Achieving this vision requires the unique contributions of every generation.

A young child and an adult planting trees together, symbolizing generational collaboration and the legacy of giving back to the community.

• Baby Boomers emphasize traditional giving, often through planned gifts like those from our Tocqueville Society. Their legacy-minded approach provides a strong foundation for long-term impact and is key to sustaining the generational giving legacy.

• Generation X balances loyalty with action, contributing both time and resources. Many engage through Leadership-level giving, combining financial support with advocacy and volunteerism that power key programs.

• Millennials leverage digital tools to amplify causes and mobilize peers. Their involvement shines through affinity groups like Young Leaders, where they build community and champion change.

• Gen Z reflects the energy and urgency of the next generation of philanthropy. According to the Blackbaud Institute, 84% of Gen Z supports nonprofits, often through advocacy, volunteering, or small but meaningful donations. Their focus on transparency and impact makes them powerful advocates for UWGG’s mission.

How Generational Giving Unites Us Across Communities

The reasons we give are as diverse as our approaches. For many, giving stems from personal stories, family legacies, or a desire to create opportunities for others. Together, these motivations create a collective generational giving legacy that strengthens our shared purpose.

Giving is as much about receiving as it is about giving.

-Michelle Schneider

Philanthropy, as a wise colleague once shared, is as much about receiving as it is about giving. Generosity connects us, teaching gratitude and fostering a sense of shared commitment.

By sharing these stories—our “why”—we inspire others to join the movement, amplifying the impact of our collective efforts.

How to Get Involved This Giving Tuesday

This Giving Tuesday, I invite you to reflect on your “why” and take action in ways that matter most to you. Here’s how you can contribute to the generational giving legacy:

• Share Your Story: Inspire others by posting on social media about why you give. Use #UWGGGivingTuesday and #WhyIGive and tag @UnitedWayGSO to join the conversation.

• Make a Contribution: Whether it’s a financial donation, volunteering your time, or starting a workplace campaign, every effort builds momentum.

• Encourage Others: Share your passion for giving with friends, family, and colleagues. Together, we can create lasting change.

• Learn More: Explore the critical issues impacting our community, such as poverty in Greater Greensboro, and discover how your support helps create solutions.

The Future of Generational Giving Legacy

Giving Tuesday reminds us of the power of generational giving to shape thriving communities. Across generations, across stories, and across shared values, we create a legacy of generosity. Together, we’re building a brighter, more equitable future—one act of kindness at a time.

Frank McCain, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro, professional headshot.

About the Author
Frank McCain is the President & CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro. With a legacy of leadership and commitment to community impact, he is dedicated to fostering partnerships and building a thriving, equitable future for all.