OUR MISSION & goals
Our mission is to connect, engage and inspire people to transform our community. 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, or the income level it takes to meet their basic needs, by 11,000.
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 deliver and invest in and the outcomes they generate are equitable. Our donors, clients, and community deserve nothing less.
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.
recent news
Spartanburg, S.C. (June 25, 2025) – Each year, United Way of the Piedmont proudly honors the community members and partners whose dedication makes our mission possible and amplifies our impact. Their efforts, rooted in partnership and fueled by collaboration, reflect a shared commitment to creating a stronger community. We extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible volunteers and organizations who have united in service with us, and we congratulate all of this year’s outstanding award recipients! 2025 Volunteer Celebration Award Winners AmeriCorps VISTA of the Year: Demecia Martin AmeriCorps Direct Service Member of the Year: Maggie Crawford Women United Award: Carolyn MacIntosh Tomeka Pierce African American Leadership Society Award: Jessica Holcomb Walter S. Montgomery Young Leader Award: Sarah Keim Stallard Advocate of the Year: Brian Earnest Tom Barnet Award for Volunteer Service: Chris Steed Community Partner Award: Live Healthy Spartanburg Honoring Our Hurricane Heroes This year, United Way also recognized the exceptional partners who went above and beyond to help our community recover after Hurricane Helene. Congratulations to each of our Hurricane Heroes awardees: City of Spartanburg Spartanburg County Emergency Management Spartanburg County Foundation Spartanburg Regional Foundation As United Way President & CEO Paige Stephenson shared in her remarks, “United is the way we work because we know change doesn’t happen alone. It happens when people come together, with open hearts and a common purpose, to close gaps and open opportunities for all.” Thank you to everyone who continues to make a difference. Together, we are building a brighter future for our community! Get involved with our mission →
You’re not just giving to a cause. You’re building a strategy for your community’s future.
Spartanburg, S.C. (May 5, 2025) – Local leaders from across Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties gathered with United of the Piedmont on April 30, 2025 for an inspiring morning honoring the incredible companies and organizations that have gone above and beyond to make a difference in the community. This exclusive event featured powerful stories of impact, an awards ceremony to celebrate outstanding partners, and a room full of passionate changemakers. Speakers from both local community and partner organizations included: Chris Santoro, Board Chair of United Way’s Board of Directors and Vice President of Investments at MTM Management; Bryan Stone, President of Lockhart Power; Reverend Eliza Smith DeBevoise of Converse University; and Parkes Coggins, Vice President Heart/Vascular and Oncology Services at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System and United Way’s Resource Development Chair. During the ceremony, United Way announced the 2025 Corporate & Community Leaders award winners: New Partner of the Year: Cherokee County School District Small Business Partner of the Year: William Barnet & Son, LLC Large Business Partner of the Year: BMW Manufacturing Public Service Partner of the Year: Spartanburg School District 5 Employee Campaign Coordinator of the Year: Angie Myers, AFL Chairman’s Award: Chuck Hall, William & Barnet, LLC Additionally, United Way recognized partners that achieved Circle of Excellence status, an honor reserved for partners who model best practices in their United Way workplace campaigns: Cate & Brough, P.A. Morrisette Packaging Lockhart Power Johnson Development Associates McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture William Barnet & Son, LLC The collective impact of gifts and support from United Way corporate and community partners ensures more local families have the opportunity to thrive. United Way additionally thanks the top 5 companies in giving totals for the 2024-2025 fiscal year: AFL: Employee Giving of $554,787 + Corporate Giving of $180,491 = $735,278 Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System: Employee Giving = $321,995 BMW: Employee Giving of $186,928 + Corporate Giving of $93,248 = $280,176 Denny's and Keke's Breakfast Cafe: Employee Giving = $244,075 Milliken & Company: Employee Giving of $107,473 + Corporate Giving of $100,000 = $207,473 This year, United Way is reviewing 138 program requests representing nearly $5 million in need across our community. Funding decisions will shape the region’s opportunities through 2028. Amanda Richardson, United Way Vice President of Brand Experience & Resource Development, shared during the event: “Right now, local programs need support. These are the programs that create the community resiliency, financial security, healthy community, and youth opportunity that we all want here.” She continued, “Whether it is launching or strengthening a campaign, finding volunteer opportunities for yourself or your employees, or building an annual strategy that reflects and executes your commitment to community, we are poised to partner with you.” For more information about partnering with United Way of the Piedmont, email giving@uwpiedmont.org.
