The Next Century of Healthy Communities
To mark their 150th anniversary, Eli Lilly and Company is supporting the charitable efforts of United Way to help expand access to nutritious food in communities across the U.S.
We are grateful for our 100+-year relationship and are excited to celebrate that Lilly is part of the President’s Circle of the United Way Leading Corporate Partners Program, a new United Way Worldwide recognition program for companies that support efforts to raise $5 million USD annually to support United Way.
ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP
Long recognized for their philanthropy, Lilly is also a leader in community engagement. Employees support nearly 600 United Ways worldwide through giving programs and volunteerism, including Global Day of Service, launched in 2008.
In 2026, to mark the company’s 150th anniversary, Lilly worked with United Way to help support charitable initiatives in healthy food access and wellness to those in need in communities across the country.
Our Impact
Lilly is supporting United Way’s charitable efforts to expand access to healthy food this summer and fall. Together, nonprofits, corporate and individual volunteers, and local United Ways are addressing nutrition gaps through food distribution events tailored to community needs.
15
geographic markets
34+
collaborating community partners
400+
volunteers giving back through events and kit-packing
240K+
healthy meals for individuals and families
As Lilly joins these communities, we want to be thoughtful about how to learn, connect, and give back. United Way was one of the first organizations we thought of to help us do that because of the strong network and history United Way has in every community we are going into.
Melissa Coe, AVP for Social Impact and Community Engagement, Lilly
PARTICIPATING lOCAL uNITED wAYS
United Way Massachusetts Bay, in Boston and Cambridge, MA
United Way of Greater Charlotte in Concord, NC
United Way Greater Houston in Houston, TX
United Way Madison County in Huntsville, AL
United Way Kenosha County, in Kenosha, WI
United Way Greater Lehigh Valley in Lehigh Valley, PA
Mile High United Way, in Louisville, CO
United Way New York City, in New York, NY
United Way Greater Triangle, in Research Triangle Park, NC
United Way Greater Richmond and Petersburg, in Richmond, VA
United Way of San Diego County in San Diego, CA
United Way Bay Area, in San Franciso, CA
United Way Puerto Rico, in San Juan, PR
United Way of Central Indiana, in Indianapolis, IN
1957
Year
Lilly leaders were named co-chair and honorary chair of the first Indianapolis United Fund drive, an effort unifying important charitable institution funds to maximize impact; the UF would be a driving force behind Lilly volunteer hours and donations for decades to come.
2015
Year
Lilly has supported efforts that have resulted in millions of dollars donated to United Way, continuing the philanthropic commitment begun by Colonel Lilly in the 1800s.
Lilly and United Way are committed to meaningful, sustained impact. Whether making medicines that improve lives or developing programs that help communities thrive, we believe in the power of teamwork to create innovative, lasting solutions.
Everyone should be able to make healthy choices for themselves and their families, but, too often, barriers like transportation or affordability get in the way. United Ways work with food banks, schools, clinics, and other programs to bring nutritious food to those who need it, where they can access it: onsite in the community, delivered to their homes, grown on sustainable farms, and more.
Combining the deep, local know-how of each United Way and the broad reach of our global network, this season’s special events directly address community needs fifteen times over, not just one day, but all year long.
Lilly’s support of United Way for the nutritious foods program (fruits, vegetables, and fresh protein), and HATCH for Hunger's efforts to expand expansion of cold-storage infrastructure for select food banks nationwide demonstrate a commitment to bridging gaps in food access.
Together, we’re providing opportunity, dignity, and pathways to better health.
One of the greatest strengths of Madison County is the way our community comes together. Lilly’s support of United Way Worldwide allows it to strengthen this effort, amplifying the impact of the work already taking place and helping ensure that more families receive the support they need.
Daniel Kasambira, President & CEO, United Way Madison County
Shared Commitments
Learn more about United Way’s efforts to help communities thrive.
Improving Health and Well-Being for All
Read about United Way partnerships that expand access to nutritious food and quality health care, education and services.
