United Way of Asheville & Buncombe County

What United Way of Asheville & Buncombe County does

United Way of Asheville & Buncombe County (UWABC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community foundation founded in the early 1920s and headquartered at 50 S French Broad Ave, Asheville, NC, operating with 11–50 staff. The organization functions as the regional backbone for collective-impact philanthropy in Buncombe County, organizing its work around two impact areas — Youth Opportunity and Community Resiliency — and coordinating more than 50 cross-sector partners (nonprofits, school districts, healthcare providers, faith communities, and businesses) through the United for Youth (U4Y) network. Core program surface includes 9 Community Schools, the NC 211 24/7 information-and-referral helpline, the School Supply Drive (2,866 students served in a recent year, 25,000+ since inception), the Hands On Asheville-Buncombe volunteer center, Community Nights, and a Long-Term Recovery Group fiscal-agency role for Hurricane Helene recovery, with reported $5,332,547 in Helene-related investments.

The technology layer is operationally focused rather than product-driven. UWABC runs a Community Data Dashboard (built on a Results Based Accountability framework) for public impact reporting, the NC 211 referral system in partnership with the state, the U4Y community coordination platform, and digital tools for volunteer matching, donor engagement, and a shared community events calendar. Distribution is hybrid: direct through school-site Community Schools and the volunteer center, partner-mediated through 30+ funded distribution organizations (Catholic Charities, ABCCM, YWCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, MANNA FoodBank, Bounty & Soul, Food Connection, and others), and digital via the unitedwayabc.org donation and registration portal. Newer initiatives include School-Based Health Centers (Blue Ridge Health, MAHEC) embedded in middle-school campuses and AmeriCorps NCCC team coordination for disaster rebuilding alongside All Hands and Hearts and CORE.

Revenue mechanics are diversified across four streams: individual donations (one-time and recurring monthly/quarterly/annual, with a 100%-stays-local pledge), planned giving including Donor-Advised Funds and IRA rollovers (Tocqueville Society donors pledge $10,000+ annually), event and program sponsorships (Aeroflow Health, First Citizens Bank, CIGNA, First Bank, AVL Technologies), and grant funding including the $25,000 Duke Energy Foundation grant and federal AmeriCorps NCCC lodging support. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by Heather Whitaker Goldstein, led by President & CEO Dan Leroy (succeeding David Bailey in 2019), and operates under a finalized 2026-28 Strategic Plan emphasizing Youth Opportunity and Community Resiliency.

Name

United Way of Asheville & Buncombe County

Legal name

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County

Website

https://unitedwayabc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1924

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

United Way of Asheville & Buncombe County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that mobilizes community philanthropy in Buncombe County, NC, coordinating 50+ partners through the United for Youth network, 9 Community Schools, NC 211 referrals, the School Supply Drive, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe volunteer center, and Hurricane Helene long-term recovery.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Impact Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Child and Youth Services (624110), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Community Housing Services (62422)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGAEAC

Family & Parenting Support Services

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Social Services & Community Support (Food, Housing, Family)

SECONDARYBPAGAEAL

Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Social Services & Community Support (Food, Housing, Family)

SECONDARYBPAGADAA

Early Childhood Education & Childcare Nonprofits

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Education & Youth Development Nonprofits

SECONDARYBPAGAEAB

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Social Services & Community Support (Food, Housing, Family)

Keywords

• Community fundraising
• Nonprofit programs
• Volunteer mobilization
• Disaster recovery services
• Collective impact coordination

Headquarters

HQ city

Asheville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute one-time or recurring gifts (monthly, quarterly, or annual) to support UWABC's two impact areas: Youth Opportunity and Community Resiliency. The organization emphasizes that 100% of donations stay local in Buncombe County.
2. Planned Giving & Estate Gifts: Donors can set up planned giving arrangements, Donor-Advised Funds, and IRA rollovers as long-term giving vehicles.
3. Event Sponsorships: Corporate and individual sponsors support UWABC events including the School Supply Drive, United for Youth Block Party, and Community Impact Awards. Sponsors receive recognition and brand visibility.
4. Grant Funding: UWABC receives grant funding from institutional funders and grantors, serving as fiscal agent for the Buncombe County Long-Term Recovery Group and coordinating AmeriCorps NCCC team placement with secured federal funding for member lodging.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County mobilizes community resources to support youth and families in Buncombe County through coordinated programs in two impact areas: Youth Opportunity and Community Resiliency. Core offerings include Community Schools, the United for Youth collective impact network, the NC 211 referral helpline, the annual School Supply Drive, disaster recovery (Hurricane Helene), the Hands On Asheville-Buncombe volunteer center, and Community Nights family engagement events.

Product overview

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County operates as a nonprofit organization offering community service programs rather than a technology product company. Their portfolio consists of interconnected community programs organized around two impact areas: Youth Opportunity and Community Resiliency. Core offerings include Community Schools, the United for Youth Network (collective impact initiative), NC 211 helpline, School Supply Drive, Food Resources Program, Helene Relief & Recovery, Community Nights, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe volunteer center, and a Community Data Dashboard. These programs work together to address youth development, family support, disaster recovery, and community engagement through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and local government.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Hands On Asheville-Buncombe: Community Volunteer Center operated by United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County
• United for Youth
• Community Schools
• NC 211

Products and services

• Community Schools School-based coordination model providing academic support, family engagement, health services, and community resources through 9 school hubs across Buncombe County, including Community Nights and afterschool enrichment for K-12 students and their families.
• United for Youth (U4Y) Network Multi-generational, cross-sector cradle-to-career collective impact partnership of 50+ nonprofits, higher education institutions, healthcare providers, faith communities, and business leaders coordinated by UWABC as backbone organization to advance youth success.
• NC 211 Helpline 24/7 information and referral service connecting community members to local food, health, and human services resources through phone (2-1-1) and text (51555) channels.
• School Supply Drive Annual initiative providing fully stocked backpacks to elementary, middle, and high school students across Asheville and Buncombe County, distributed through 30+ partner organizations.
• Hands On Asheville-Buncombe Volunteer Center Community volunteer center connecting individuals with volunteer opportunities across local nonprofits and community organizations, including disaster recovery, food security, and youth programming.
• Helene Relief & Recovery Program Long-term disaster recovery program supporting Buncombe County communities following Hurricane Helene, including fiscal agency for the Long-Term Recovery Group, coordination of AmeriCorps NCCC teams, and home repair partnership with All Hands and Hearts.
• School-Based Health Centers School-based health clinic services operated at Asheville Middle School and Enka Middle School providing behavioral, mental, and physical health care to students in partnership with Blue Ridge Health and MAHEC.
• Food Resources Program Program connecting community members to food pantries, meal sites, and emergency food assistance through partnerships with MANNA FoodBank, Bounty & Soul, Food Connection, and Buncombe County.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2,109 students participated in Community Nights in a recent reporting period
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers32 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core, key and minor.

• Buncombe County SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeep partnership with Buncombe County Schools as the school district partner for the Community Schools strategy and United for Youth network. Multiple schools serve as Community School sites with dedicated coordinators.
• Asheville City SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner district for Community Schools implementation, including School-Based Health Center at Asheville Middle School. Joint initiatives include afterschool programming, Community Nights, and food security events.
• AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUWABC coordinates federal AmeriCorps NCCC applications and provides ongoing supervision for teams deployed to support Hurricane Helene recovery. Multiple teams (Maple 1, Grizzly 7, and others) have been placed across Buncombe County. UWABC acts as fiscal agent and site coordinator for national service members.
• All Hands and HeartscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmeriCorps NCCC teams partner with All Hands and Hearts for home repair work on Hurricane Helene-impacted residences. All Hands and Hearts provides construction expertise while AmeriCorps teams provide labor. Over a dozen homes have been repaired through this partnership.
• MANNA FoodBankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMANNA FoodBank is a key food security partner, collaborating on Community Engagement Markets, food distribution at Community Nights, and food resource coordination during COVID-19 and government shutdowns.
• Hands On Asheville-BuncombecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolunteer center operated by UWABC that matches community volunteers with nonprofit organizations. During COVID-19, 825 volunteer roles were filled and 7,000 hours donated through this platform. Coordinates disaster recovery volunteer efforts.
• NC 211coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with NC 211 state system to operate the 2-1-1 referral hotline (24/7) connecting community members to social services. UWABC operates the local Asheville 211 call center and works to keep partner agency listings updated. During COVID-19, 211 handled 85,000+ calls.
• United for Youth (U4Y) NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollective impact network launched in 2013 involving 50+ nonprofits, higher education institutions, healthcare providers, faith communities, and business leaders coordinating cradle-to-career services for youth. UWABC serves as the backbone organization.
• Buncombe County Health and Human ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in School-Based Health Center initiative and Community Engagement Markets. Collaborates on public health initiatives and food security programs.
• Blue Ridge HealthcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHealthcare provider operating School-Based Health Centers at Asheville Middle School and Enka Middle School. Provides fully functioning health clinic services on school campuses including behavioral, mental, and physical health care.
• MAHEC (Mountain Area Health Education Center)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborator on School-Based Health Centers initiative alongside UWABC, Buncombe County HHS, and school districts. Contributes healthcare education and training capacity.
• Buncombe County Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUWABC serves as fiscal agent for the LTRG coordinating Hurricane Helene disaster recovery. UWABC staff serve on leadership and steering committees. Coordinates recovery efforts across government, nonprofits, and community partners.
• Green OpportunitieskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCulinary training organization whose Kitchen Ready graduates prepare meals for Community Nights and Homework Diners. Partnership provides employment pathway while supporting food distribution at school-based events.
• BeLoved AshevillekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing grocery gift cards at Community Nights. Provided 160+ and 150+ family grocery assistance packages at Cookies and Coats and Winter Wonderland events respectively.
• NC Medical SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoat drive partner contributing winter coats for Cookies and Coats Community Night distribution.
• Swannanoa CleanersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal cleaner providing in-kind donation of cleaning services for all coats distributed at Cookies and Coats event.
• Buncombe County (Government)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuncombe County government partners on food resources coordination, Community Engagement Markets organization, and disaster recovery. County leads on organizing food resource information during government shutdowns.
• Bounty & SoulminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal nonprofit partner for food resource distribution listed alongside MANNA FoodBank and Food Connection.
• Food ConnectionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal food resource partner helping connect families to food resources in the community.
• CORE (Community Organized Relief Efforts)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmeriCorps NCCC Grizzly 7 team partnered with CORE for Helene recovery work in Swannanoa and surrounding areas. CORE provides disaster relief coordination and volunteer-powered rebuilding.
• Valley Hope FoundationkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmeriCorps NCCC Grizzly 7 team partnered with Valley Hope Foundation for Helene recovery work.
• Aeroflow HealthkeyGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the 2026 School Supply Drive. Provides major financial support and brand visibility for the annual initiative serving thousands of local students.
• First Citizens BankkeyGTM or Marketing PartnerVolunteer Lounge sponsor for the School Supply Drive. Contributes volunteer space and refreshments during the packing and sorting phase.
• CIGNA HealthcarekeyGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the Volunteer Reception and Wellness & Resiliency Tents at the United for Youth Block Party.
• AVL TechnologieskeyGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the STEAM Tent at the United for Youth Block Party.
• Knit n Give ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMonthly knitting group creating handmade hats for newborns, mothers, adults, blankets and scarves distributed to Western North Carolina Community Health, AHOPE, Homeward Bound, and Mountain Area Health Education Center.
• Umoja Health, Wellness and Justice CollectivekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited for Youth partner running the HOPE (Healing our Past Experiences) 4 the Future after-school program and the 'Hour of Hope' podcast, empowering youth to discuss issues including bullying, violence prevention, and personal accomplishments.
• UNC AshevillekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigher education partner in the United for Youth network. UNC Asheville faculty and staff conducted book fundraising for Learn United program. Students from the university contribute as volunteers and through academic partnerships.
• Buncombe County Sheriff's OfficeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on restorative justice initiatives including the Be The Change Festival and week of training events on restorative justice practices in schools and communities.
• Howard Hanna Beverly-HanksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Tocqueville Society events year-round.

Scale indicators36 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• MANNA FoodBank: WNC food bank that is both a UWABC distribution partner and a direct comparable for funding, donor engagement, and food-security programming in the same geography.
• United Way of Central Carolinas: Regional United Way affiliate serving the Charlotte/Mecklenburg region with the same collective-impact and Community Schools-style programming model. Direct comparable in mission, donor-facing structure, and Tocqueville Society-style major-gift operations.
• Community Foundation of Western North Carolina: Local community foundation operating in the same Buncombe County/WNC geography with overlapping focus on education, economic mobility, and disaster recovery. Competes directly for regional philanthropic dollars and donor mindshare.

Broad incumbents

• United Way of Greater Atlanta: Larger metro-area United Way affiliate operating a similar child- and family-wellbeing portfolio with community-school, workforce, and collective-impact programming at greater scale.
• HandsOn Network (Points of Light): National volunteer-mobilization infrastructure organization that mirrors the Hands On Asheville-Buncombe function operated internally by UWABC; useful benchmark for volunteer-engagement scale and operations.
• United Way Worldwide: National umbrella organization overseeing the United Way brand and federated funding model. UWABC operates as an independent local affiliate under this broader network structure.

Regional players

• YWCA of Asheville and Western North Carolina: Local social-services peer with overlapping programs in family support, youth services, and community resilience, and a direct UWABC distribution partner via the School Supply Drive.
• ABCCM (Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry): Local faith-based social-services nonprofit operating food, housing, and crisis programs in the same geography as UWABC; School Supply Drive partner and a comparable donor-funded nonprofit at similar scale.
• Habitat for Humanity of Asheville and Buncombe County: Local housing-focused nonprofit in the same geography that performs Helene home-repair work — a direct capability overlap with UWABC's disaster recovery portfolio, and a peer for corporate and donor funding in Buncombe County.

Emerging players

• Carolina Community Collaborative: A newer NC-based disaster-recovery and community-resilience coalition that overlaps with UWABC's Long-Term Recovery Group and Helene coordination work — relevant emerging peer for institutional funding and recovery-program scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@unitedwayabc/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/unitedwayabc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/united-way-of-asheville-&-buncombe-county
• Instagraminstagram.com/unitedwayabc
• Xx.com/unitedwayabc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about United Way of Asheville & Buncombe County