United Way Of Northwest Illinois

**Our Mission** United Way improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good. The United Way of Northwest Illinois, Inc. is a leader in providing human and financial resources in response to identified health and human service needs to improve the quality of life in Jo Daviess, Stephenson, and Carroll Counties. We aspire to be the critical link which brings together our diverse communities to build stronger, healthier and more sustainable communities as cost effectively as possible. - [**Improve education**](https://www.uwni.org/education), and cut the number of high school dropouts — 1.2 million students, every year — in half. - Help people achieve [**financial stability**](https://www.uwni.org/income), and get 1.9 million working families — half the number of lower-income families who are financially unstable — on the road to economic independence. - [**Promote healthy lives**](https://www.uwni.org/health), and increase by one-third the number of youth and adults who are healthy and avoid risky behaviors. These goals are ambitious, but with your help and by utilizing our core strengths — a national network, committed partners and public engagement capacity — WE can achieve them. **Why Give to United Way:** 10\. It’s the right thing to do. Plus, your donation to United Way may be tax deductible per IRS guidelines. Check with your tax preparer to be certain on the potential tax benefits. 9\. There is strength in numbers. Your donation multiplies community impact by combining your gift with thousands of other donors, hundreds of local companies, and is often matched by corporate gifts. Together, we can accomplish far more than any single donor can alone. 8\. Bang for your buck. Giving to United Way is the most powerful way to give back to your LOCAL community. Instead of supporting a single cause or issue, a gift to United Way improves the conditions of our entire community. Your money also stays in your own backyard. The money you donate to United Way supports local people and programs. Dollars raised in our community, stay in our community to help build a better place for us all to live, work, and raise our families. 7\. It’s easy. We conveniently offer numerous ways to give including: a one-time gift, recurring pledge, online, by text, or via payroll deduction. 6\. Affordable. It’s a personal and voluntary decision for each donor to make but you would be amazed at how sharing an hour of pay per month or even $1 per pay period can make a big difference in someone’s life. Every dollar, every gift, adds up to create real and lasting change. 5\. It’s good for you! Many studies show that philanthropy has health benefits, including boosting the immune system and releasing endorphins that improve your mood. So, give ‘til it feels good! 4\. The kids are watching! We are role models and teaching children about philanthropy creates community awareness, social responsibility, and demonstrates how to be a good neighbor. These are important and valuable attributes that will carry into adulthood. 3\. Your money is safe. We are responsible stewards of donor dollars. United Way of Northwest Illinois adheres to all local, state and federal guidelines, as well as strict membership requirements of United Way Worldwide. Not to mention our own By-Laws, Code of Ethics, Core Values, and highest ratings possible from Charity Navigator and GuideStar. 2\. United Way produces a return on investment. Our highly competitive community grant process directs resources to top performing programs and organizations in our community. Funded partners of United Way proudly tout our partnership as it signifies the due diligence of a volunteer-driven process, delivery of measurable outcomes, and the ability to meet the most pressing needs of our most vulnerable populations. ***And the #1 reason is … We all have skin in the game. We all have a stake in what befalls our neighbors. We all benefit when a child succeeds in school, when someone finds a job that will help them provide for their family, or when more people are able to access quality, affordable health care.***