About Us
Improving the lives of underserved individuals in the National Capital Area by focusing community resources on creating measurable and lasting impacts.
For nearly 100 years, United Way NCA has worked diligently to change the lives of people and families in the National Capital Area.
Our Mission & Vision
Our Mission
United Way NCA improves lives of underserved individuals in the National Capital Area by focusing community resources on creating measurable and lasting impact.
Our Vision
United Way of the National Capital Area improves the health, education and economic opportunity of every person in our community. We are uniquely positioned at the intersection of the public, private, philanthropic and nonprofit sectors, and the only organization that can mobilize the best resources and people to lead collective impact for our community. Through our Community Commitment and programmatic focus, we are transforming our region and changing the story for thousands of people in a meaningful way.
Our Ethics
Ethical conduct, integrity and dedication to service are vital to the way United Way of the National Capital Area works. Our code of conduct provides a strong and disciplined set of standards and guidelines to help us all do the right thing.
Our Impact
From 2016 to 2020, we served 23,167 students and families through an integrated approach to health and wellness.
From 2016 to 2020, we served 14,547 low-income middle school students transition to high school and perform at grade level through our 13 Title I Community Schools across the region.
From 2016 to 2020, 102,419 clients received free financial coaching and tax preparation services resulting in $103.5 million in tax refunds.
The most important thing to know about us is this: After nearly 100 years of improving the health, education and economic opportunity of our community, we continue to commit ourselves to creating a more equitable region. Because at United Way NCA, we know what happens when people truly pull together. Homes are saved. Education advances. Health improves. Hope rises. Lives are changed.
Uniting nearly 500 partner nonprofits, as well as corporate and community partners, we’re committed to creating a strong, vibrant community with excellent schools, good health, safe neighborhoods and jobs that pay a livable wage. We are making bold strides to achieve equity for all community members, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, income and ability.
Each year we work directly in the eleven regions we serve: Alexandria, Arlington, District of Columbia, Fairfax/Falls Church, Loudoun County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Prince William County, Rappahannock County, Culpeper County and Fauquier County.
By investing in the most effective programs and services, we’re tackling the area’s most complex social challenges every day. Learn more about us.
Our History
More than 125 years ago, an organization that later became United Way, was created to mobilize the caring power of communities and make a difference in people’s lives. At its inception, United Way collected funds for local charities, and distributed them to relief services, cooperating agencies and emergency assistance grants.
United Way has developed with the needs of the nation it serves, and we are now helping millions of people through local area chapters across the nation. Your United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) was begun in 1928, based upon the same model as the national organization of working through local organizations that distributed funds to member charities.
For nearly 100 years, as United Way NCA worked diligently to change the lives of people and families in our local area, our commitment to helping our local communities has evolved and deepened. Today, your United Way NCA mobilizes a network of hundreds of volunteers, donors, nonprofits and change agents that help people in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Northern Virginia address some of the biggest challenges in their lives.
We rely on our dedicated staff and partners to conduct research and create programs that address health, education and economic opportunity, and the greatest and most immediate needs within them.
