United Way of the Ocoee Region

What United Way of the Ocoee Region does

United Way of the Ocoee Region is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in the 1940s and headquartered in Cleveland, Tennessee, serving Bradley and Polk Counties in southeastern Tennessee. The organization operates a hybrid model combining Impact Fund grantmaking to 36 vetted nonprofit partner agencies with five proprietary direct service programs: the 211 Crisis Hotline and Referral System (24/7 free helpline), Stable Families Program (financial stability navigation), AmeriCorps VISTA program administration placing 27 members at 19 nonprofit sites in 2025-26, Read United Imagination Library (early literacy, 48,965 books distributed in 2025), Housing United (rapid rehousing at 93% retention), and the William Hall Rodgers Christmas Food Basket Program. The organization's technology infrastructure consists of the national 211 system, the e-CImpact grant management platform for partner agency applications, virtual event platforms, and the MyFreeTaxes partnership with IRS VITA for free tax filing for filers earning under $89,000.

Revenue mechanics are entirely donation-based, with the 2025-26 Community Campaign raising $1,659,230 across 108 workplace campaigns (over $1.02 million attributed to workplace giving), supplemented by signature events (Women United Gala, Day of Action, Celebrity Bagging, Whirlpool Appliance Sale), corporate sponsorships (Whirlpool, Food City, Best Buy Metals, First Horizon Bank, Publix, Cleveland Utilities, LCCA, Catnapper, Eaton, etc.), affinity group memberships (Tocqueville Society $10,000+, Pillar Society $1,000+, YPC $365+, Legacy Giving Society), and individual donations via the website. Total community support of $4.18M was raised and $2.22M invested across partner agencies and programs in 2025, impacting 47,342 individuals.

The organization is part of the United Way Worldwide federated network (spanning 1,800 communities in 40+ countries) and holds a 4-Star Charity Navigator rating, AmeriCorps grantee status, and partnership with United for ALICE for data-driven community needs assessment. It operates with 11-50 employees, led by President and CEO Stephanie Linkous, with no disclosed venture capital or private equity backing.

Name

United Way of the Ocoee Region

Legal name

United Way of the Ocoee Region

Website

https://unitedwayocoee.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1943

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

United Way of the Ocoee Region is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Cleveland, Tennessee that funds 36 partner agencies and runs direct service programs including 211 hotline, Stable Families navigation, AmeriCorps VISTA administration, Imagination Library, and Housing United to serve 47,342 individuals annually across Bradley and Polk Counties.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Social Services

NAICS

Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Community Housing Services (62422), Community Food Services (62421)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Financial Assistance & Benefits Navigation Services (BPAGAEAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB), Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL)

Keywords

• Community social services
• Nonprofit fundraising
• Crisis referral hotline
• Workplace giving campaigns
• Community grantmaking

Headquarters

HQ city

Cleveland, Tennessee

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Community Campaign Donations: Annual workplace giving campaigns and individual donations form the primary revenue stream. The 2025-26 campaign raised $1,659,230 against a $1.6 million goal. 108 workplace campaigns contributed over $1.02 million. Leadership giving includes Tocqueville Society ($10,000+), Pillar Society ($1,000+), and affinity group memberships.
2. Signature Fundraising Events: Revenue from signature events including Women United Gala (has raised over $1.5 million cumulatively), Whirlpool Appliance Sale (100% of proceeds benefit United Way), Celebrity Bagging, and Giving Tuesday partnership with BonLife Coffee Roasters.
3. Impact Fund Grants: Grants awarded to 36 nonprofit agencies and 42 programs totaling $2.22 million in 2025. Grant cycles include Letter of Intent (November) and Full Application stages. Focus areas include Stable Housing, Access to Quality Childcare, Access to Healthcare, and Mental Health/Substance Misuse Support.
4. Direct Service Program Fees: Revenue from direct services including 211 call center operations, Stable Families program navigation, AmeriCorps VISTA administration, Imagination Library book distribution, and William Hall Rodgers Christmas Food Basket distribution.
5. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships for events and programs. Current sponsors include Whirlpool, Cleveland Utilities, Lee University, Easy Auto Online, Bradley Schools, LCCA, HHM CPAs, Publix, Cleveland Schools, Catnapper, Cleveland TN, Eaton, Insurance Incorporated, Food City, and Best Buy Metals.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

United Way of the Ocoee Region is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that mobilizes community donations and distributes them through Impact Fund grants to 36 vetted local nonprofit agencies operating 42 programs, while also operating direct-service programs for residents of Bradley and Polk Counties in Tennessee, including the 211 crisis hotline, Stable Families navigation, AmeriCorps VISTA placements, Read United Imagination Library, Housing United rapid rehousing, My Free Taxes, and the William Hall Rodgers Christmas food basket program. All services are provided free of charge to community members and funded by workplace giving campaigns, individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and signature fundraising events.

Product overview

United Way of the Ocoee Region operates as a nonprofit social services organization offering a portfolio of direct service programs and community support initiatives rather than a traditional technology product. The organization's core offerings include the 211 Crisis Hotline (resource referral service), Stable Families Program (family financial stability), AmeriCorps VISTA (national service), Read United Imagination Library (early literacy), Housing United (rapid rehousing), and William Hall Rodgers Christmas Food Basket. These programs are supplemented by signature fundraising events (Women United Gala, Day of Action, Celebrity Bagging), affinity groups (Young Professionals Circle), and workplace giving campaigns. The organization utilizes an internal grant management system (e-CImpact) for partner agency applications but does not offer a public-facing product platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 211 Crisis Hotline and Referral Resource Free, confidential 24/7 helpline connecting individuals and families in Bradley and Polk Counties to local resources including housing, food, employment, healthcare, mental health, childcare, eldercare, and utility assistance. Available by phone (dial 211), text (zip code to 898-211), email, and online.
• Stable Families Program Data-informed family stability program providing personalized navigation, emergency financial assistance, and connections to housing, childcare, healthcare, and other essential services to help ALICE households achieve long-term financial security.
• William Hall Rodgers Christmas Food Basket Program Holiday food assistance program providing approximately 700+ Christmas food boxes annually to Bradley and Polk County families in need, dating to the 1940s.
• AmeriCorps VISTA Program National service program that places VISTA members with local nonprofit organizations to build nonprofit capacity, expand services, mobilize community resources, and create sustainable solutions addressing root causes of poverty. 27 VISTAs were placed at 19 nonprofit sites in 2025-2026.
• Read United Imagination Library Early childhood literacy program providing free, age-appropriate books monthly to children from birth to age five in Bradley County. Celebrated 20 years and distributed 48,965 books in 2025.
• Day of Action Annual signature volunteer event and the Ocoee Region's largest organized service day. The 2025 Day of Action mobilized 490+ volunteers at 28 project sites, contributing 1,960 service hours worth an estimated $68,000.
• Community Campaign Annual fundraising campaign led by volunteer Co-Chairs to raise critical funds supporting local programs across the Ocoee Region. The 2025-26 campaign raised $1,659,230, surpassing the $1.6M goal, with 108 workplace campaigns contributing over $1.02 million.
• Women United Gala United Way's largest signature fundraiser celebrating women's philanthropy and collective power to drive meaningful community change. Has raised more than $1.5 million cumulatively to benefit local community.
• Young Professionals Circle (YPC) Philanthropy-focused affinity group for young professionals requiring a minimum annual gift of $365, providing networking, volunteer, and professional development opportunities.
• My Free Taxes Free online tax filing service through MyFreeTaxes.com for filers earning under $89,000, offered in partnership with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program with IRS-trained phone support in English and Spanish.
• Impact Fund Grants to Nonprofit Partner Agencies Annual grantmaking program distributing funds to 36 vetted local nonprofit agencies operating 42 programs across four impact areas. $2.22 million was invested in 2025 to serve 47,342 residents.

Quantifiable outcome

• 42% of Ocoee Region households (21,500+) are ALICE or below - United Way targets these families with programs
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• AmeriCorpscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency partnership enabling United Way of the Ocoee Region to serve as AmeriCorps VISTA regional program administrator. VISTA members are placed at nonprofit organizations to build capacity, expand services, mobilize resources, and create sustainable poverty solutions. During 2025-2026, 27 VISTAs were placed at 19 nonprofit sites generating $452,292 for partners.
• Cleveland UtilitiescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerUtility assistance partner for the 211/Ocoee Connect program. Cleveland Utilities collaborates to provide one-time utility assistance to Bradley and Polk County residents experiencing financial hardship. Qualifications include residency, proof of income, copy of utility bill, and documentation of hardship.
• Chattanooga GascoreGTM or Marketing PartnerUtility assistance partner for the 211/Ocoee Connect program, working with United Way to provide gas utility assistance to qualifying residents in the region.
• Whirlpool CorporationmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual Whirlpool Appliance Sale fundraiser where 100% of proceeds benefit United Way. Brand-name appliances sold with no sales tax, loaded on-site same day. Proceeds support United Way's work strengthening families and addressing critical community needs including financial stability, access to care, and basic necessities.
• BonLife Coffee RoastersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGiving Tuesday partnership where BonLife donates a portion of sales to United Way of the Ocoee Region, strengthening families and supporting critical programs across the Ocoee Region.
• Food CitymajorGTM or Marketing PartnerHost venue for Celebrity Bagging events and corporate sponsor. Food City provides checkout counter locations for celebrity volunteers to bag groceries and raise funds. Also hosts YPC events including Celebrity Bagging volunteer activities.
• Lee UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational institution partner hosting AmeriCorps VISTA placements and serving on the CNIC (Community Needs Identification Committee). Lee University faculty and students contribute to community needs assessments and nonprofit capacity building initiatives.
• MyFreeTaxes / IRS VITAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program enabling free online tax filing for filers earning under $89,000. Since 2009, My Free Taxes has helped file 1.5M+ returns, save $318M in prep fees, and receive $2.1B+ in refunds. Phone support available 10am-8pm ET daily through April 15, 2026.
• Best Buy MetalsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the 2025 Impact Report and Awards Celebration. Corporate partner supporting United Way events and programs with significant financial sponsorship.
• First Horizon BankmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum sponsor of the 2025 Impact Report and Awards Celebration. Corporate partner contributing financial support for United Way events.
• United Way WorldwidecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational parent organization providing brand strength, 211 system infrastructure, training resources, ALICE research data, and access to the global United Way network spanning 1,800 communities in 40+ countries.
• United for ALICEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational research initiative providing ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data and reports. United Way leverages this data for community needs assessments, grantmaking decisions, and advocacy. 2026 State of ALICE in Tennessee report provides county-level statistics.
• Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of CommercemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional Chamber of Commerce partnership for workplace giving campaigns, volunteer initiatives, and community leadership. Chamber board members and business leaders participate in United Way events, campaigns, and advisory roles.
• IMAGINATION LIBRARYcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDolly Parton's Imagination Library program administered locally by United Way of the Ocoee Region since 2005. Provides free age-appropriate books monthly to children from birth to age 5. Celebrated 20 years and 48,965 books distributed in 2025.
• The Barn at the Historic Fillauer EstateminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue partner for Pillar Society Social events. Private event space hosting exclusive donor appreciation gatherings for leadership giving society members.
• Chattanooga Bourbon SocietyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBradley Hudson (Edward Jones, 2026-27 Campaign Co-Chair) serves as Managing Partner. The society partners with nonprofits to raise awareness and financial support for community needs.
• Chattanooga Area Food BankmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional food bank partnership providing food relief resources during government shutdowns and ongoing food insecurity. United Way connects community members to food pantries and meal programs through the 211 system.

Scale indicators22 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• United Way of Greater Chattanooga: Neighboring United Way affiliate serving the greater Chattanooga metro area. Directly comparable federated nonprofit model, 211 operations, and workplace-campaign fundraising approach in the same region of southeastern Tennessee.
• Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga: Regional community foundation operating in the same southeastern Tennessee/northwest Georgia footprint with comparable grantmaking, donor-advised funds, and civic leadership functions — overlapping donor base and corporate sponsor pool.
• Chattanooga Area Food Bank: Regional food bank partnering with United Way of the Ocoee Region to address food insecurity. Operates a comparable donation-driven, volunteer-leveraged model and shares donor and corporate partner base in the same region.

Direct peers

• United Way of the Mid-South: Larger regional United Way affiliate operating the same 211 hotline, ALICE framework, workplace giving, and Impact Fund grantmaking model across multiple counties. Highly comparable in programmatic structure and donor architecture.
• HandsOn Nashville: Volunteer-mobilization nonprofit in a comparable mid-size Tennessee market. Operates a volunteer-matching platform, signature Days of Service, and corporate engagement programs analogous to United Way's Day of Action and workplace campaigns.

Broad incumbents

• United Way Worldwide: Global parent organization of the federated United Way network spanning 1,800+ communities. Provides brand, 211 infrastructure, ALICE research, and training that the Ocoee Region chapter leverages as a member.
• Points of Light: National nonprofit focused on volunteer service and civic engagement, operating HandsOn Network affiliates. Comparable mission around mobilizing volunteers and corporate civic engagement at significantly larger scale.
• Catholic Charities of East Tennessee: Faith-based social services nonprofit offering housing, emergency assistance, and case management across East Tennessee. Competes for similar donor dollars and serves overlapping client populations with comparable direct-service programs.
• Salvation Army Cleveland (Tennessee): National faith-based social services organization with a local Cleveland, TN presence delivering emergency assistance, utility help, and holiday programs (notably the Angel Tree). Operates a comparable donation- and volunteer-funded model in the same geography.

Emerging players

• Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland/Bradley County: Local Habitat affiliate that is both a United Way Impact Fund grantee and an independent fundraiser. Comparable affordable-housing mission overlap with United Way's Housing United rapid-rehousing program.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC4eW1cB7jU9gKlB9LqCdK0w
• Facebookfacebook.com/unitedwayocoee
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/united-way-of-the-ocoee-region

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 the Ocoee Region