United Ways of Maine at a Glance
United Ways of Maine, and across the country, activate community resources to improve people’s lives. There are nine United Ways in Maine that are part of a network of United Ways, which includes approximately 1,800 community-based United Way organizations world-wide. Each is independent, separately incorporated and governed by local volunteers.
To reach their respective goals, United Ways partner with individuals, schools, non-profit organizations, government policy makers, businesses, financial institutions, voluntary and neighborhood associations, community development corporations and the faith community. United Ways annually raise money and then, through a unique community investment process led by volunteers, allocate funding to programs offered in their communities. They ensure that each organization in which they invest is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization governed by volunteers, provides services in the region individual United Ways serve, that it submits to an annual, independent financial audit, provides services at a reasonable cost, and maintains a policy of non-discrimination.
United Ways also work collaboratively on a state-wide basis, and in their local communities, to lead or collaborate on numerous initiatives that positively impact people’s lives, including Early Childhood Initiatives, Heating Assistance fundraising, and Food Pantry projects.
