The Problem

With federal, state and local government budgets experiencing dramatic reductions, and private investments slowed by the national recession, the nonprofit sector is seeing a pronounced increase in the need for services across the board.

Meeting the increased demand will require more organization and funding than we could ever achieve solely focused at the local level.

The Solution

Because government is a critical decision-maker and the major provider and funding source for health and human services, United Way must actively engage in public policy.

United Way of Greenville County raises $14 million annually and is accountable to more than 40,000 donors; thus we have a responsibility to raise awareness to ethical and moral nonprofit practices.

As a source of funding for approximately 50 agencies and more than 90 programs, United Way of Greenville County is in a unique position to be a leading voice for nonprofits at the state and local level, while raising the standards for accountability and effectiveness.

The Goal

Advance the common good and achieve United Way of Greenville County's community impact goals.

How We Get There

United Way of Greenville County will:

• Provide leadership to Congress and the S.C. General Assembly on issues that affect the nonprofit community.
• Provide leadership and guidance on advocacy principles to the local nonprofit community.
• Advocate on behalf of the nonprofit community regarding changes to legislation affecting governance of nonprofit organizations.
• Support improvements in Health and Human Services on the national and local level.
• Analyze the impact of the State of South Carolina's budget reductions on the nonprofit community with a focus on child care, K5-12 public education and services provided to the most impoverished individuals in our community.

How You Can Help

Contact your local, state and national elected officials. Explain the issue. Ask them to support and promote policies, initiatives and programs that will strengthen the capacity of local nonprofits.

One voice, your voice, can make a difference.
Elected officials love to hear from their constituents. Reach out and contact:

• Members of U.S. Congress
• S.C. Governor's Office
• S.C. General Assembly
   

For additional information on United Way of Greenville County’s policy priorities, contact Laurie Rovin, Director of Community Affairs, at 864-467-4804, or click here to e-mail.