United Way of Northeast Mississippi, Inc.

What United Way of Northeast Mississippi, Inc. does

United Way of Northeast Mississippi, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization founded in 1961 and headquartered at 454 E. President St, Tupelo, Mississippi. It operates as an independent, locally governed affiliate within the United Way Worldwide network, serving an 8-county region in Northeast Mississippi (Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Tishomingo, and Union counties). The organization functions as a community fund-raising and grant-making intermediary: it solicits donations from individuals, corporations, and workplaces, then redistributes those funds to a network of 56 funded partner agencies that deliver direct services in three impact areas — Academic Success, Family Stability, and Health & Wellness — reaching approximately 125,000 individuals annually.

The organization operates through a portfolio of internal initiatives and giving programs rather than technology products. Five primary initiatives — Early Childhood Coalition (formed 2020), Hunger Coalition of Northeast Mississippi (2017), Northeast Mississippi Health Alliance (2021), Volunteer Northeast Mississippi (2018), and Women United — sit alongside workplace campaigns, corporate sponsorships ($2,500–$30,000 tiers), a tiered Leadership Giving Society ($500–$10,000+), a 2026–28 grantmaking cycle, and special programs including Back 2 School Project and Kit Packing Events. Multiple donation vehicles are supported: credit card, cryptocurrency (via The Giving Block/Gemini), publicly traded stock, Donor Advised Funds, Qualified Charitable Distributions, and an Endowment Fund for planned giving. The technology stack is operationally minimal — a website, donor portal, and standard back-office tools; no proprietary technology, app, API, or AI capability is disclosed.

The business model is a recurring fundraising model with diversified revenue streams: approximately 65% of funds come through payroll deduction at workplace campaigns across manufacturing, hospitals, public schools, retail, banks, and professional associations; the remainder is sourced from individual giving (including recurring/leadership tiers), corporate sponsorships, planned giving/endowment, and emergency disaster relief funds. As a 501(c)(3), the organization holds BBB accreditation (since 2007), a Charity Navigator 4-star rating, a GuideStar (Candid) Platinum Seal of Transparency, and CEFEX fiduciary certification. It has held the title of largest United Way in Mississippi by dollars raised and geographic service area since 2017.

Name

United Way of Northeast Mississippi, Inc.

Legal name

United Way of Northeast Mississippi, Inc.

Website

https://unitedwaynems.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1961

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

United Way of Northeast Mississippi is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1961, headquartered in Tupelo, Mississippi, that raises and distributes funds across an 8-county region, supporting 56 partner agencies serving 125,000 individuals annually through workplace giving campaigns and multiple donation vehicles.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Community Food Services (624210), Civic and Social Organizations (813410)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGAKAB

Community Foundations

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Philanthropy, Foundations & Grantmaking

SECONDARYBPAGAEAL

Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services

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

SECONDARYBPAGALAC

Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts)

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Social Enterprises & Impact Organizations

SECONDARYBPAGAKAN

Social Justice & Human Rights Grantmaking Foundations

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Philanthropy, Foundations & Grantmaking

Keywords

• Community fundraising
• Workplace giving campaigns
• Nonprofit grantmaking
• Charitable giving programs
• Human services coordination

Headquarters

HQ city

Tupelo

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute through online donations, phone, email, and various payment methods including credit card, crypto, stock, DAF, QCD, and endowment gifts. Leadership giving starts at $500/year with tiered recognition.
2. Workplace Campaigns: 65% of funds come through payroll deduction at workplace campaigns. Employers set up workplace campaigns and employees give through regular payroll deductions.
3. Corporate Gifts and Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors give at various levels ($30,000, $25,000, $20,000, $15,000, $10,000, $5,000, $2,500, or other amounts) with corresponding recognition benefits. Companies can also give through workplace campaigns.
4. Planned Giving and Endowment: The organization accepts planned gifts including IRA rollovers, bequests through wills/trusts, retirement plan beneficiary designations, and life insurance gifts. These provide long-term sustainable funding through the Endowment Fund.
5. Donor Advised Funds: Donors can make charitable gifts using donations from their Donor Advised Funds, processed through The Giving Block platform.
6. Stock Donations: The organization accepts publicly traded, domestic common stocks as donations, processed through The Giving Block in partnership with Renaissance Charitable Foundation.
7. Cryptocurrency Donations: Accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, and over 100 additional leading cryptocurrencies as donations, processed through The Giving Block and Gemini Trust Exchange.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

United Way of Northeast Mississippi is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that raises funds through individual donations, workplace payroll-deduction campaigns, corporate sponsorships, and planned giving. It then reinvests those funds by issuing grants to 56 partner nonprofit agencies and running four internal initiatives (Early Childhood Coalition, Hunger Coalition, Health Alliance, Volunteer Northeast Mississippi) that deliver Academic Success, Family Stability, and Health & Wellness services to residents across an 8-county region in Northeast Mississippi.

Product overview

United Way of Northeast Mississippi is a nonprofit community services organization that operates as a collection of interconnected initiatives and giving programs rather than a unified technology product. The organization offers resource guides (Help Guide PDF), operates five primary community initiatives (Early Childhood Coalition, Hunger Coalition, Health Alliance, Volunteer Northeast Mississippi, and Women United), and manages various giving programs (Workplace Campaigns, Corporate Giving, Leadership Giving Society). Additional programs include Back 2 School Project, Kit Packing Events, and ALICE Initiative. The organization also provides multiple donation vehicles including direct giving, cryptocurrency, stock, DAF, QCD, and endowment planned giving options. All programs focus on three impact areas: Academic Success, Family Stability, and Health & Wellness.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Women United: Premier leadership society for women in philanthropy, requiring an annual investment of $500 or more
• Back 2 School Project
• Kit Packing Event
• ALICE

Products and services

• Workplace Giving Campaigns Workplace giving campaign program in which United Way staff visit employers across manufacturing, hospitals, public schools, retail, banks, and professional associations to set up employee payroll-deduction giving mechanisms.
• Corporate Giving Program Corporate sponsorship and giving program with tiered recognition levels ranging from $2,500 to $30,000+ annually, with multiple payment schedule options (monthly, quarterly, one-time, or check).
• Leadership Giving Society Individual donor recognition program with tiered giving levels: Alexis de Tocqueville Society ($10,000+), Pillar Society ($1,000-$9,999), and Granite Society ($500-$999), with recognition for donors giving as little as $10 per week.
• Endowment Fund Planned giving program accepting IRA rollovers, bequests through wills or trusts, retirement plan beneficiary designations, and life insurance gifts to provide long-term sustainable funding.
• Donor Advised Fund (DAF) Giving Giving vehicle allowing donors to make charitable gifts from their Donor Advised Funds, processed through The Giving Block platform.
• Stock Donation Program Program accepting publicly traded, domestic common stocks as charitable donations, processed through The Giving Block in partnership with Renaissance Charitable Foundation.
• Cryptocurrency Donation Program Program accepting Bitcoin, Ethereum, and over 100 additional cryptocurrencies as donations, processed through The Giving Block and Gemini Trust Exchange.
• Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) IRA-based giving option allowing donors 70½ or older to donate up to $100,000 directly from their IRA to qualified charities without paying income taxes.
• Disaster Relief Fund Emergency response fund providing disaster relief support to community members affected by tornadoes and other natural disasters in the service area.
• Back 2 School Project Community program providing basic school supplies to elementary schools within the 8-county service area, distributing supplies to 58 schools serving pre-K through 6th grade.
• Kit Packing Event Community volunteer event program where participants pack supply kits for distribution to those in need across the service area.
• Grantmaking Program

Quantifiable outcome

• Serves 125,000 individuals annually across 8 counties
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Early Childhood CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn initiative of United Way of Northeast Mississippi formed in 2020 to focus on early childhood development, kindergarten readiness, and improved reading scores in Lee County. Led by Director Shelly Brooks with 25 years of education experience.
• Hunger Coalition of Northeast MississippicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn initiative of United Way of Northeast Mississippi formed in 2017 to address food insecurity in the region. Led by Director Jason Martin, serves on Mid-South Food Bank board representing 18 counties.
• Volunteer Northeast MississippicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn initiative of United Way of Northeast Mississippi formed in 2018 to connect volunteers with service opportunities across the 8-county region.
• Northeast Mississippi Health AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn initiative of United Way of Northeast Mississippi formed in 2021 to improve access to mental health and substance abuse resources in the region. Led by Director Terry Baber.
• CREATE FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with CREATE Foundation to open the Amory and Monroe County Disaster Relief Fund supporting people affected by the March 24 tornado. Joint disaster response initiative.
• Regional Rehabilitation CentercoreOthersPartner agency providing speech/language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology services, and early intervention services to all ages at no charge to clients or insurance companies.
• Aberdeen Loaves and Fishes Food PantrycoreOthersPartner agency distributing food to needy residents in South Monroe County. Serves seniors (70+) on second and third Wednesday, and all residents on fourth Saturday of each month.
• Northeast Mississippi Habitat for HumanitycoreOthersPartner agency providing simple, affordable housing for eligible low-income families who do not qualify for conventional loans, helping families gain stability and opportunity.
• Girl Scouts Heart of the SouthcoreOthersPartner agency delivering informal education program to girls ages 5-18 with goals of helping each girl reach her highest self-potential and make a difference through community service.
• Boys and Girls Clubs of North MississippicoreOthersPartner agency providing positive place for youth to enhance quality of life in safe, structured environment with emphasis on at-risk/disadvantaged youth and character development.
• Agape Health Services, Inc.coreOthersPartner agency serving Benton, Lafayette, Lee, Marshall, Pontotoc, Tippah, and Union County, providing free healthcare to those without medical insurance.
• Good Samaritan Health Services, Inc.coreOthersPartner agency serving Lee County residents, birth to 65, who need primary health care, are employed or temporarily unemployed, and lack health insurance.
• Meals on WheelscoreOthersPartner agency providing hot, well-balanced noon time meals 5 days a week to individuals in Lee County age 60+ who meet eligibility requirements.
• NMMC (North Mississippi Medical Center) Patient Assistance FundscoreOthersPartner agencies including Diabetes Treatment Center, Breast Care, Heart and Vascular Institute, Hospice, and Social Work Patient Assistance Funds providing healthcare support for patients with inadequate financial resources.
• S.A.F.E., Inc.coreOthersPartner agency serving victims of domestic violence, their children, and all victims of sexual assault with shelter and counseling services.
• Shepherd's Center of TupelocoreOthersPartner agency empowering senior adults (over 62) to live independently through transportation, minor home repairs, and social gatherings.
• 4-H (Lee, Prentiss, Tishomingo Counties)minorOthersPartner agencies preparing youth to meet challenges of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood through educational experiences enhancing life skills and developing positive social, emotional, physical, and cognitive competencies.
• Boy Scouts Natchez Trace CouncilminorOthersPartner agency engaging, empowering, and nurturing over 6,000 Northeast Mississippi youth in Itawamba, Lee, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Tishomingo, and Union County.
• American Red Cross North Mississippi ChapterminorOthersPartner agency providing disaster assistance, military personnel services, first aid/CPR courses, blood services, and community disaster preparedness education.
• Mid-South Food BankminorOthersJason Martin, Director of Hunger Coalition, serves on the Mid-South Food Bank board which provides services to 18 counties in North Mississippi.
• The Mall at Barnes CrossingminorOthersLocal mall providing space for United Way team to organize and prepare school supplies for Back 2 School Project distribution to schools.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves17 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Mid-South Food Bank: Regional food bank serving 18 counties including the United Way of Northeast Mississippi service area; Hunger Coalition director Jason Martin sits on its board. Comparable as a direct partner addressing the same food insecurity mission.
• United Way of Central Mississippi: Another Mississippi-based United Way affiliate operating in the Jackson metro area. Directly comparable as a peer United Way serving a different region of the same state, competing for similar workplace giving dollars and donor mindshare.
• United Way of Hattiesburg: Smaller Mississippi-based United Way affiliate serving the Hattiesburg metro/region. Comparable as a state-level peer competing for the same corporate donor pool within Mississippi's United Way network.
• CREATE Foundation: Community foundation serving Northeast Mississippi and a documented partner (joint disaster relief fund). Comparable as a local community foundation with overlapping donor base and grantmaking footprint in the same 8-county region.
• United Way of the Mid-South: United Way affiliate serving the greater Memphis/Tri-State area (Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas). Comparable as a direct United Way peer in the immediate region, with overlapping donor geography across the northern Mississippi border.

Broad incumbents

• American Red Cross: National disaster relief and humanitarian nonprofit. Comparable as a larger incumbent in the disaster response space; its North Mississippi chapter is a funded partner agency of United Way of Northeast Mississippi.
• United Way of Greater Atlanta: One of the largest United Way affiliates in the US. Comparable as a larger-scale United Way operating a similar workplace-campaign, grantmaking, and community-impact model but at substantially greater scale.
• United Way Worldwide: Parent network organization governing all United Way affiliates globally. Comparable as the umbrella organization setting membership standards, branding, and shared fundraising infrastructure for this affiliate.
• Feeding America: National hunger-relief nonprofit network. Comparable as a broader incumbent addressing the same food insecurity mission that United Way's Hunger Coalition targets locally.
• Habitat for Humanity International: National affordable housing nonprofit. Comparable as a broader incumbent operating in the same social-services space, with a local Northeast Mississippi affiliate that is a funded partner agency of United Way.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutu.be/YScd6ZYg_tM
• Instagraminstagram.com/unitedwaynems
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/united-way-of-northeast-mississippi-inc.

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Northeast Mississippi, Inc.