Spartanburg, S.C. (January 13, 2026) –United Way of the Piedmont (UWP) is proud to announce an annual investment of $1,140,000 in 47 nonprofit organizations across Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union Counties for the 2026–2028 funding cycle. These investments mark another step forward in advancing UWP’s long-term Community Impact Agenda and commitment to addressing the root causes of local challenges through strategic, results-driven funding. For the upcoming cycle, UWP will make the following annual investments in the region: $111,842 in 16 programs in Cherokee County $922,070 in 37 programs in Spartanburg County $106,088 in 16 programs in Union County This investment follows a highly competitive community review process. 85 agencies submitted 138 Letters of Intent, requesting nearly $4.85 million in annual funding. To guide investment decisions, UWP convened one Community Investment Review Committee, representing the entire tri-county area. This group applied a structured assessment process to evaluate program effectiveness, fiscal soundness, and alignment with UWP’s strategic framework. “Our investment process is an intentional, data-driven effort that takes about a year to complete,” said Sarah Daniel, Senior Director of Partnerships & Investments. “We don’t just fund programs—we invest in impact. Every dollar is directed where it can create the most measurable change for our community.” The review process began in early 2025 with information sessions and letters of intent, followed by full applications, site visits, and extensive Q&A sessions before final funding decisions in December. New funding will begin in January 2026. As outlined in its Community Impact Agenda, UWP focuses on investing deep rather than wide—prioritizing proven programs with clear outcomes over spreading limited resources thinly across numerous initiatives. This approach ensures that each investment drives transformative change for the region’s most pressing needs. UWP upholds a commitment to county-level equity, measurable outcomes, fiscal stewardship, and sustainability. In addition to the core investment cycle, UWP continues to lead and support collaborative initiatives aligned with its impact goals, including: A Place to Call Home (Spartanburg County) Spartanburg Long Term Recovery Group Movement 2030 Union Uplifted Collective Community-Wide Mental & Behavioral Health Plan for Spartanburg County Live Healthy Spartanburg Strategic Spartanburg, Inc. Spartanburg Shared Futures Collaborative United for ALICE Through these strategic investments and partnerships, United Way of the Piedmont continues to strengthen the community and drive sustainable impact across the region. View a full list of 2026-2028 Community Investment funded programs here.

Spartanburg, S.C. (January 1, 2026) –Following a powerful showing of community service last year, United Way of the Piedmont is once again calling on residents across Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties to come together for its annual MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 19, 2026. Part of the nationwide initiative to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s legacy of giving back, MLK Day of Service has been led locally by United Way of the Piedmont for more than a decade, connecting volunteers with meaningful projects that strengthen nonprofit partners and neighborhoods. “Dr. King believed deeply in collective action and shared responsibility,” said Marissa Human, Director of Events & Projects. “This day is about honoring his legacy by showing up for our neighbors and turning service into impact.” This year’s event will again honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision by showing that United is the Way to make a difference. In 2025, more than 450 volunteers united to serve their community by cleaning trails, building playgrounds, packing period kits, and supporting nonprofits with other hands-on projects. United Way of the Piedmont expects hundreds of volunteers to once again answer the call to serve in 2026. “When our community comes together like this, the impact reaches far beyond a single day,” said Sarah Daniel, Senior Director of Partnerships and Investments. “It strengthens nonprofits, supports families, and reminds us that change happens when we choose to serve—together.” Volunteer registration is now open, and individuals, families, student groups, faith-based organizations, and corporate teams are encouraged to participate. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, visit uwpiedmont.org/mlkday . Our 2026 MLK Day of Service is generously sponsored by AFL.