Our purpose at United Way of Central Illinois is to improve lives by mobilizing our community. We invest in solutions, convene partners and develop innovative strategies that create opportunities for every person to succeed. Our work is grounded in the belief that strong communities are built when people have the opportunity to learn, earn and thrive.
While many know United Way as a grant maker, our work extends far beyond funding. We serve as a community catalyst – bringing organizations together, identifying unmet needs, leveraging resources, and creating solutions where gaps exist. Our work can be viewed through four interconnected roles.
We work to mobilize community generosity, and our impact begins with people. UWCIL engages individuals, businesses, foundations and volunteers to invest their time, talent and financial resources into creating stronger communities. Together these investments support immediate needs while building long-term solutions.
Next, we fill the gaps. Communities evolve and new needs emerge. When critical gaps exist, we develop or coordinate innovative solutions that connect people to the resources they need. A few examples are 211, ALICE Emergency Fund and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. These initiatives are designed to complement the work of our partners.
Additionally, we want to build community partnerships. Many of our communities’ greatest challenges cannot be solved by one organization alone. UWCIL serves as a trusted convener, bringing together nonprofits, schools, businesses, government agencies, healthcare and community leaders to align efforts around shared goals. By coordinating efforts we can maximize community impact. A great example of this is Sangamon Pathways to Learning.
And finally the fourth role is to invest in proven community solutions. We steward donor dollars by investing in high-quality programs that demonstrate measurable outcomes and address our communities’ greatest needs. Our investments focus on Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Community and Community Resiliency. Through a competitive grant process, we ensure resources are directed where they can make the greatest impact.
For more than a century, United Way of Central Illinois has served as a trusted leader and community convener. While many recognize us as a fundraiser, our role extends far beyond raising dollars. We are investors, collaborators, innovators and connectors dedicated to strengthening the nonprofit sector and improving lives across central Illinois. We know lasting change happens when people work together. That is why we will continue to invest in proven solutions, connect community partners and innovate where new challenges emerge. Together, we don’t simply respond to community needs. Together, we build the community we want to live in. I would love to have you join us on this journey.
Please visit www.uwcil.org/donate to give to our 2026 Campaign today.
Marne Fauser is president and CEO of United Way of Central Illinois.
