Cultivating Character Development in the Classroom
Character Playbook is making a significant mark in communities across the nation, engaging 98 United Ways and working with nearly 1,000 schools to set students up for success. Read more
About Us
A Look Back at 2016
A Year of Success and Significance
At United Way, we believe the most important work often happens in the trenches. Decades from now, people will remember 2016 for its social and political upheaval. From the election in the United States, to "Brexit" in the United Kingdom, to popular protests around the world, 2016 will leave an imprint on our collective memories.
At United Way, we will remember this past year for so much more. We will remember it for the lives we changed and the communities we strengthened. For the leaders we helped to grow and the opportunities we created. Our work took place in communities large and small around the world—and it often took place outside of the public eye. Yet, whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes, our efforts to build stronger communities have left their own deep mark on society.
This year’s annual report shines a light on many of the people and communities we helped, as well as those who made it possible. Throughout this website, you’ll see stories about our fight for the left-behind children in China and refugees in Europe. About our fight against homelessness in America and human trafficking worldwide. As these examples make clear, we fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. And we do it at a scale matched by few others.
At United Way, we believe that health, education and financial stability are the building blocks of stronger communities. When a child is healthy, he goes to school. When a student receives a good education, she gets a job that provides for her and her family. Our community-based approach would be impossible without the assistance of our corporate, community, labor and government partners. Deeply rooted problems—from struggling schools to unemployment—require the time and talents of a range of individuals and organizations, and we are incredibly grateful for their support.
That support is critical in a time when it seems like the only constant is change itself. Political winds shift frequently, and businesses rise and fall with increasing regularity. Technology is both bringing us together and driving us apart. In times of turbulence, however, we believe that our time-tested way of working—forging unlikely partnerships and mobilizing resources to develop sustainable solutions—is more valuable than ever. People will look to United Way to bring them together with opportunities to organize, build coalitions and effect positive change.
We’re proudly stepping forward, and we’re eager for the challenge. We know that tough issues require tough work, and that change doesn’t happen alone. It takes everyone fighting and pulling as one. To all of our partners, donors, advocates and volunteers, thank you for being in the trenches with us this year. With your help, we will continue fighting to create lasting change that impacts countless lives, makes our world a better place and leaves an enduring mark on society.
United we fight. United we win. Thank you.
John Lechleiter, Chairman of the Board
Brian A. Gallagher, President and CEO
Our Worldwide Network
Impact by the Numbers
United Way serves 61 million people each year, and is engaged in nearly 1,800 communities across 40+ countries and territories.
Childhood Success
100,000+books distributed to kids in Australia through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library since 2013
2,600+central and northeastern Connecticut children in quality, early childhood education programs who gained the skills needed to succeed in kindergarten
9,600children in Liverpool, England, who have experienced healthy development through free play opportunities since 2013
Youth Success
96%of students in Cincinnati enrolled in afterschool programs who were promoted to the next grade level in 2016
2,635young people in the Philippines who’ve earned scholarships since 2014
69,795young people in Denver who were positively impacted through college- and workforce-preparation programs in 2015/2016
Financial Stability
4,148people in Cleveland served by workforce-readiness programs in 2016
$10+ billionput back in the hands of hardworking Americans since 2009, thanks to free tax-preparation assistance supported by United Way
6,959people in Greater Victoria, Canada, who found meaningful jobs, better managed their expenses and supported their families
Access to Health
24,035low-income citizens in Korea who were given access to healthcare in 2016
110,000+meals distributed at meal centers in Lehigh Valley in 2016
97,752people in Dallas who received preventive care support—leading to healthier lives—since 2014
United We Fight
We fight to give every person in every community a chance to live a good quality of life and achieve their human potential.
Fighting for Youth Employment
In our fight to build stronger communities, we’re giving young people the tools, resources and knowledge necessary to secure quality jobs. Read more
Leading the Charge
Throughout the year, we strengthened communities through our public policy and advocacy work, affinity groups and events.
Helping Lift Millions out of Poverty
In our fight for financial stability, we strive to give every person the chance to provide for their families and save for the future. Read more
Leaving a Legacy
Sarah & John Lechleiter
Ira Lubert
Three Generations of Philanthropy
Richard L. Oliver
Sarah & John Lechleiter
The United Way Alexis de Tocqueville Award® 2016 winners
Few people have left a legacy quite like Sarah and John Lechleiter, new members of the $10 Million Roundtable™. For more than 40 years, the Lechleiters have played a transformational role as donors, advocates and community champions. In honor of their impact, and in appreciation of their continued support, United Way Worldwide and United Way Tocqueville Society awarded Sarah and John The United Way Alexis de Tocqueville Award for 2016, the highest national honor.
As the former chairman, president and CEO of Eli Lilly and Company, John has made a lasting mark by serving on the United Way of Central Indiana board and leading the United Way Worldwide board. Sarah, meanwhile, was instrumental in the development of Women United, where she helped increase membership, and significantly grew giving and volunteerism. Together, the Lechleiters have donated millions of dollars to United Way, including $5 million this year to support the expansion of high-quality, early childhood education and the Center for Working Families network in central Indiana, as well as United Way’s efforts in India, Brazil, Spain and South Africa.
"Sarah and John truly LIVE UNITED,"" said Ann D. Murtlow, president and CEO of United Way of Central Indiana. "Sarah works tirelessly as a volunteer and advocate for United Way initiatives, while John rallies our corporate leaders to take bold action on community priorities, including making quality, early childhood education a reality for Indiana’s low-income children. We couldn’t be more grateful for their financial support and personal commitment to the future of our community."
Ira Lubert
President and Principal Owner of IL Management
We are proud to recognize Ira Lubert, a real estate investor and private equity expert from Philadelphia, for his longstanding impact as a donor, volunteer and advocate for United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. A new member of the $10 Million Roundtable, and a 20-year member of the Tocqueville Society, Ira has displayed his dedication to United Way through his time and generous contributions. That support continued this year with a generous investment in United Way’s Lubert Individual Development Account Program, an initiative that supports continuing education and home ownership. We thank Ira for his leadership, and his commitment to enhancing the business and nonprofit landscapes in the Philadelphia region.
Celebrating Three Generations of Philanthropy
George Jenkins, the late founder of Publix Super Markets, Inc. and a longtime United Way donor, initiated philanthropy as a family tradition. A celebrated philanthropist, George paved the way for his daughter, Carol, and her husband, Barney Barnett, to make a mark through early education work and other community efforts. As members of the $10 Million Roundtable, Carol and Barney are bringing positive change to their central Florida community, including through their successful ReadingPals program. Following in the Barnetts’ footsteps is their son, Wesley (pictured), and his wife, Ashley, marking three generations of philanthropy. Their efforts are improving the lives and families of the communities in which Publix operates. We are proud to recognize George, Carol, Barney, Wesley and Ashley for their gracious contributions, and we thank them for supporting United Way.
Richard L. Oliver
We would like to acknowledge the bequest of the late Professor Richard L. Oliver, a distinguished researcher and professor whose generosity was matched only by his desire to impact communities at scale. A leading academic expert on consumer psychology, Professor Oliver experienced firsthand the value of United Way through annual workplace campaigns conducted by three of the five universities where he taught. His generous financial contributions will go a long way toward fulfilling his vision to touch as many people as possible on a national level. We thank Professor Oliver for his exceptional philanthropy and the lasting impact he has created.
U.S.A. Board of Trustees
The United Way U.S.A. Board of Trustees is charged with providing oversight on matters related to—and specific to—the network of United Ways in the United States. Its responsibilities include U.S. membership issues, public policy, community impact, resource development and U.S. Board development.
Worldwide Board of Trustees
The United Way Worldwide Board of Trustees has fiduciary oversight of United Way Worldwide, and is responsible for overseeing the business affairs of the organization.
United Way Worldwide and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
| 2016 | 2015 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Assets | |||
| Current assets | $ 26,667 | $ 17,141 | |
| Noncurrent assets | 49,003 | 67,273 | |
| Total assets | 76,670 | 84,414 | |
| Liabilities and net assets | |||
| Liabilities | |||
| Current liabilities | 18,939 | 17,650 | |
| Noncurrent liabilities | 17,047 | 19,949 | |
| Total liabilities | 35,986 | 37,599 | |
| Net assets | |||
| Without donor restrictions | 26,805 | 30,736 | |
| With donor restrictions | 13,879 | 16,079 | |
| Total net assets | 40,684 | 46,815 | |
| Total liabilities and net assets | 76,670 | 84,414 | |
| Revenue | |||
| Membership support, net | 31,391 | 28,484 | |
| Contributions | 67,729 | 63,510 | |
| Other revenue | 10,406 | 6,924 | |
| Total revenue | 109,526 | 98,918 | |
| Expenses | |||
| Program expenses: | |||
| Investor Relations | 5,993 | 6,133 | |
| Donor Advised Giving | 57,515 | 36,147 | |
| International Network | 6,614 | 5,008 | |
| U.S. Network | 8,816 | 9,393 | |
| Impact, Strategy and Innovation | 14,199 | 10,702 | |
| Learning, Conferencing and Talent Management | 4,766 | 4,757 | |
| Public Policy | 1,736 | 1,721 | |
| Brand Strategy and Marketing | 9,800 | 7,164 | |
| Campaign and Public Relations | 165 | 316 | |
| Promotional Material Sales | 687 | 636 | |
| Total program expenses | 110,291 | 81,977 | |
| Support services: | |||
| General and administrative | 5,149 | 4,287 | |
| Fundraising | 2,368 | 3,264 | |
| Total support services | 7,517 | 7,551 | |
| Total operating expenses | 117,808 | 89,528 | |
| Change in net assets from operations | (8,282) | 9,390 | |
| Non-operating adjustments to net assets* | 2,151 | (1,299) | |
| Change in net assets | (6,131) | 8,091 | |
| Net assets beginning of the year | 46,815 | 38,724 | |
| Net assets end of the year | $ 40,684 | $ 46,815 | |
*Reflects increased pension obligations based upon current actuarial analysis.