Charting Its Future for a Thriving National Capital Area, United Way NCA Announces Merger with United Way of Southern Maryland, Expanding Its Reach to 14 Jurisdictions Throughout DC, Maryland and Virginia

Strategic Combination To Increase Community Impact to Advance Healthy Communities, Youth Opportunity, and Financial Security

WASHINGTON, DC (February 2, 2026) – Today, United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) and United Way of Southern Maryland announce a merger between the two organizations, effective immediately. The merger maximizes both organizations’ ability to enhance community impact, streamline operations, and expand services across the region to improve lives and strengthen communities in the now 14 counties, including Southern Maryland’s Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s Counties and United Way NCA’s 11 jurisdictions of Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax/Falls Church, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Rappahannock County, Culpeper County and Fauquier County in Virginia; Montgomery County and Prince George’s County in Maryland and the District of Columbia.

“The fundamental reason for this new model is simple: together, we can make the most meaningful, lasting impact across our three impact areas of: Healthy Communities, Youth Opportunity, and Financial Security to cover our now fourteen-county footprint by sharing resources, talent, relationships, data and best practices to expand our reach into the community,” said Rosie Allen-Herring, President and CEO, United Way of the National Capital Area.

“The joining of our two United Ways holds extra special meaning for me and my family as lifelong residents of Southern Maryland,” Steve Proctor, Board Chair, United Way of National Capital Area and CEO, G.S. Proctor & Associates. “We look forward to continuing this important work so that families thrive in the region.”

“This change comes after careful consideration and a shared commitment to strengthening the impact we have together in the community,” said Yonelle Moore Lee, Esq., Board Chair, United Way of Southern Maryland. “United Way of Southern Maryland has accomplished incredible work over the years—mobilizing resources, supporting families, and driving initiatives that have improved lives across the three counties we serve. None of this would have been possible without the partnership, generosity, and unwavering support of our communities.”

The merger, encouraged and endorsed by United Way Worldwide, provides United Way NCA with a broader footprint to extend its work by enabling the organization to maximize resources, expand data-driven programs and services, strengthen existing partnerships, and create new ones.

As United Way of the National Capital Area seeks to fully serve Southern Maryland communities, a series of town hall events and community volunteer engagements will be held across Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s Counties over the next several months. Details on these important community events will be shared in the coming weeks so that they can be broadly attended by community members, community leaders and United Way partners.

Additionally, as part of United Way of the National Capital Area’s commitment to the communities of Southern Maryland, the organization will be co-hosting an event with Senator Angela Alsobrooks, “Get Back on Your Feet”, at the College of Southern Maryland on March 28, which will provide support for Marylanders navigating financial recovery and stability through rental and utility assistance, debt repair, credit counseling, workforce development and much more.

“The strength of our organizations allows us to accomplish more and build additional capacity to engage people, communities, and organizations, elevate brand strength and awareness, and manage and diversify revenue streams more effectively across 14 counties,” said Allen-Herring. “As United Way NCA looks to soon celebrate its 100th birthday, the merger marks a milestone that charts our future for a thriving national capital area.”

About United Way of the National Capital Area

For nearly 100 years, United Way of the National Capital Area has worked to mobilize communities to action so all can thrive. Guided by our mission, we are committed to creating measurable impact in the areas of Healthy Communities, Youth Opportunity, and Financial Security for every person in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax/Falls Church, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Rappahannock County, Culpeper County and Fauquier County in Virginia; Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s County, Montgomery County and Prince George’s County in Maryland; and the District of Columbia. In 2020, United Way NCA was among 384 organizations across the United States to receive a generous transformational investment from novelist and venture philanthropist, MacKenzie Scott. For more information about United Way of the National Capital Area, visit UnitedWayNCA.org.