everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive

Together we are strengthening educational opportunity, economic mobility, and access to healthcare for families across Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties in South Carolina.

everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive

Together we are strengthening educational opportunity, economic mobility, and access to healthcare for families across Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties in South Carolina.

OUR MISSION & goals

Our mission is to connect, engage and inspire people to transform our community.


Community transformation doesn't happen alone. Through our Community Impact Agenda and collective impact work, we connect people and resources to build a community where more families can be financially self-sufficient and thrive.


By 2030, we have a Bold Goal to decrease the number of individuals in our community living below self-sufficiency by 11,000.

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EQUITY FOR ALL

At United Way of Piedmont, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, and that means everyone. As part of our work in education, economic mobility, and health, we are committed to ensuring that the programs we invest in and the outcomes they generate are equitable. Our donors, clients, and community deserve nothing less.

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Join our impact

Everyone has a part in community change! Learn more about all the ways you can get involved to make an impact with us.

TAKE ACTION

recent news

By Amy Garvey 25 Jan, 2024
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable tax credit designed to help low- to moderate-income working families, and it’s a powerful tool in the fight against poverty. The credit reduces the tax burden for eligible families and often results in a refund, which can help struggling families make ends meet, afford necessities, and even build savings. Many are still unaware of the benefits of the EITC, but it can make a big difference for millions of people every year, including those right here in the Upstate. That’s why we’re asking you to join us on Awareness Day on Friday, January 26, 2024. To qualify for EITC, a taxpayer must work and have earned income below a certain threshold, based on their filing status and the number of qualifying children they have. The amount of the credit decreases as income rises. The EITC is known for its anti-poverty effects. It can help working families with expenses such as housing, childcare, transportation, and medical bills. In addition, the refund received through the EITC can be used to create a savings cushion to help them deal with unexpected expenses or emergencies. Additionally, the EITC has been shown to improve the total well-being of eligible families. The credit has been linked to overall better health, especially among mothers and children. Having more money from the credit can mean access to better food, housing, and healthcare, which can lead to better health outcomes. The EITC isn’t just about helping families—it also helps the local economy. The EITC generates economic activity and supports jobs. When working families receive the credit, they often spend it immediately, creating demand for goods and services that support local businesses and create jobs. This awareness campaign is essential to ensure that those who qualify receive the credit. There are a variety of local organizations that offer free tax preparation services to low and moderate-income taxpayers, like our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program at United Way of the Piedmont. Learn how you may qualify to file for free and get help with your taxes at: www.uwpiedmont.org/freetaxpreparation .  The EITC is a valuable tool for combating poverty, improving health outcomes, and strengthening the local economy. By understanding EITC guidelines and eligibility, we can better support working families and help them access valuable tax credits. Let’s work together to increase EITC awareness and support the hardworking taxpayers in our community.
By Amy Garvey 24 Jan, 2024
On Monday, January 15, 2024, more than 540 volunteers came together in Spartanburg to serve over 1,000 total hours at local non-profits in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Spearheaded by the City of Spartanburg and United Way of the Piedmont (UWP), the day began with a free community breakfast provided by Denny’s Mobile Relief Diner at the Dr. TK Gregg Community Center. During breakfast, several prominent community members spoke of Dr. King’s legacy. Said Alex Williams, Denny’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, “As a company whose mission is to feed people, mind, body and soul, we find inspiration in the servant leader model Dr. King represented through his civil rights work. Participating in the Day of Service as volunteers and with Denny’s Mobile Relief Diner is one meaningful way we prioritize giving back to the Spartanburg community. I’m grateful for the relationship we have with United Way and the city that allows us to do work in the community that aligns with how we strive to treat our guests every day.” Mitch Kennedy, Deputy City Manager with the City of Spartanburg, shared of Dr. T.K. Gregg’s legacy in Spartanburg and spoke of his commitment to the health and safety of his fellow community members. Chunsta Miller, Chair for the UWP African American Leadership Society, highlighted the importance of volunteering and how it bridges a gap, thus contributing to Dr. King’s vision of a Beloved Community. She encouraged everyone in attendance to “go forth and do some good.” Following the breakfast, volunteers from all walks of life spread throughout the city and county of Spartanburg to work with non-profit organizations providing a wide range of services. From “period packing parties” to trail cleanup in Duncan Park to organizing spaces, community members went to work helping provide for those in need by assisting 18 individual organizations. Joseph Walker, manager of the Habitat for Humanity ReStore noted that, “Organizing this space just isn’t something we can do during normal business hours, but with the help of the volunteers today, we’ve made it nicer and much more efficient.” He further commented that, “it’s the attitude of those serving that makes all the difference,” and that same attitude spurs volunteers to take action – to make this day off work for many a “day on” to honor Dr. King’s legacy of service. As Dr. King said, “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.”
By Amy Garvey 08 Jan, 2024
On Monday, January 15, 2024, people across Spartanburg County will join together to serve their community in celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the federal Day of Service named in his honor. MLK day celebrates the birthday of Dr. King by providing for a federal holiday that many people choose to make a “day on” rather than a day off from work. Once again, United Way is bringing our community opportunities to serve. A Day of Service kickoff complimentary community breakfast will be provided by Denny’s Mobile Relief Diner at Dr. TK Gregg Community Center, located at 650 Howard Street at 8 a.m. on Monday morning. From there, participants will move to their various volunteer sites to begin their service to our community. To learn more about the full Unity Week Celebration, visit the City of Spartanburg’s website here . Last year alone, nearly 300 area residents came together to provide over 1,000 hours of community service in honor of Dr. King. His vision of a truly Beloved Community, in which all people work as one to build bridges and create lasting change, becomes more of a reality when we all give our time and serve with our neighbors to transform Spartanburg. Service projects ranging from litter cleanup to “period packing parties” bring together people from all walks of life on the third Monday of January each year. This year, join United Way of the Piedmont and your neighbors in your choice of service projects listed here . However you choose to be a part, as Dr. King said, “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.” Each and every effort makes a difference. Sign up today at https://www.uwpiedmont.org/mlkday !
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