Our mission is: To promote individual well being, strengthen families and improve the quality of life in our community.

What is United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area?

United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area is an independent, locally governed United Way non-profit organization that has been serving the people of the Mohawk Valley since 1921.

What is United Way Worldwide?

United Way Worldwide is internationally recognized as a non-profit leader in building a stronger and more vibrant community. Our mission globally, is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world, and to advance the common good by focusing on education, health and income.

Are United Ways related?

We are one of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in 45 countries and territories. Each organization is separately incorporated and independently governed by local volunteers.

Money raised here, stays here.

Because United Ways can sometimes be more efficient and effective together, United Way Worldwide provides support and helps maintain consistency on matters that affect all United Ways. In exchange for guidance, training and development services, each local United Way, including ours, makes a voluntary membership investment in United Way Worldwide (less than one percent of each contributed dollar—less than a penny per dollar). United Way Worldwide does not determine how local United Ways utilize donor contributions to support their communities.

Who is in charge of my local United Way?

Our United Way staff partners with community volunteers to determine how to best serve the Mohawk Valley.

What positive changes does United Way make in the community?

All United Way initiatives and programs must have positive, measurable results to maintain funding. We assess the needs of the community in our focus areas and partner with government, businesses, schools and other non-profits to identify meaningful solutions to community issues. Knowledgeable and well-trained community volunteers visit agency facilities, review programs and financial documentation, and speak with management and staff to ensure programs adhere to our strict funding criteria.

What volunteer opportunities are there at United Way?

Allocations:

United Way recruits local volunteers in the late winter/early spring of each year to serve on allocation panels and review program applications. These panels determine which programs will be funded according to United Way’s community investment funding process. For more information, contact us at (315) 733-4691 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Campaign:

United Way seeks energetic volunteers to help during campaign season as a volunteer or Loaned Executive. For more information, contact Director of Resource Development, Jennifer Balog at (315) 733-4691 x232 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Marketing Committee:

If you would like to host an event or participate in one of our event planning committees, please contact For more information, contact Director of Resource Development, Jennifer Balog at (315) 733-4691 x232 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Funded Programs:

If you would like to volunteer with a United Way funded program visit our "Want to Volunteer?" page. For more information about how to get involved with United Way volunteer events or to create your own volunteer event through United Way contact , Community Engagement Manager, Adam Lawless, at (315) 733-4691 x224, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .