United Way of the Cape Fear Area

What United Way of the Cape Fear Area does

United Way of the Cape Fear Area (UWCFA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1941 and headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina. It serves residents across four counties — Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, and Pender — through a portfolio of programs including workplace giving, volunteer coordination, the Small Business Circle corporate membership ($365/year), the Impact Zone youth college-and-career-readiness initiative, the SCSEP senior employment program, and long-term disaster recovery coalitions formed in the wake of Hurricane Florence.

UWCFA's core business model combines individual and workplace charitable giving, corporate membership fees, community fundraising events (such as the annual Port City Jerry Day), and government grant administration. It operates as a fiscal agent and intermediary, channeling U.S. Department of Labor SCSEP funding ($45.4M pass-through) to low-income seniors 55+, distributing community impact grants to a network of 40+ partner agencies, and coordinating disaster-recovery funding across four regional coalitions. Day-to-day operations are led by CEO Tommy Taylor and COO Kimberley Taylor with a staff of nine employees.

The organization competes for donor dollars against other regional United Way affiliates and community foundations, but its primary competitive positioning rests on its 80-year local brand, entrenched workplace-giving infrastructure, and structural role as a fiscal intermediary for federal grants and disaster recovery — roles that are difficult for new entrants to displace.

Name

United Way of the Cape Fear Area

Legal name

United Way of the Cape Fear Area

Website

https://uwcfa.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1941

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

United Way of the Cape Fear Area is a Wilmington, NC-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1941 that serves four counties through workplace giving, SCSEP senior employment, disaster recovery, youth development, and a network of 40+ partner agencies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Impact Coordination / Nonprofit Social Services

NAICS

Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services (6242), Social Assistance (624), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth Justice, At-Risk Youth & Violence Prevention Nonprofits (BPAGADAM), Disaster Recovery & Emergency Housing Assistance Programs (FSALAKAK), Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGACAD)

Keywords

• Community impact coordination
• Workforce development services
• Disaster recovery coordination
• Workplace giving programs
• Youth community development

Headquarters

HQ city

Wilmington

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 contributions through various giving levels including Leadership Giving Circle ($1,000+), Sprunt Level ($5,000-$9,999), and Tocqueville Society ($10,000+). Also includes planned giving and legacy donations.
2. Small Business Circle Membership: Annual membership program for small businesses at $365/year providing promotional benefits, event invitations, and recognition. Goal to support 40+ nonprofit partners.
3. Workplace Giving Campaigns: Corporate workplace campaigns where employees contribute through payroll deductions, supporting the organization collectively.
4. Event Fundraising: Revenue from events including Port City Jerry Day, Rock the Day, Trike Race, and other community fundraising events.
5. SCSEP Grant Administration: Administering federally-funded Senior Community Service Employment Program with $45.4 million grant from U.S. Department of Labor (90% funding with 10% center match of $4.5 million).
6. Community Impact Grants: Distributing grants to partner nonprofits from funds raised, with '50M+ in Grants' mentioned as impact metric.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

United Way of the Cape Fear Area mobilizes community resources and coordinates a network of 40+ nonprofit agency partners to address health, education, and financial stability needs across four North Carolina counties (Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, and Pender). Its deliverables include workplace giving campaign administration, volunteer programming (Day of Caring, Day of Action), a federally funded Senior Community Service Employment Program for workers 55+, disaster recovery fiscal agency for county coalitions, the Impact Zone youth development initiative, and donor recognition programs including the Small Business Circle membership.

Product overview

United Way of the Cape Fear Area is a nonprofit organization operating as a single unified community impact platform rather than a modular product. The organization provides a comprehensive suite of community service programs focused on health, education, and financial stability for the Cape Fear region (Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, and Pender counties in North Carolina). Key programs include: Workplace Giving campaigns with downloadable toolkits and resources; Volunteer Programs (Day of Caring and Day of Action); the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) for workers 55+; the Small Business Circle membership program; Long Term Recovery disaster coordination; the Impact Zone youth development initiative; an Agency Partners Network of 40+ nonprofits; and various donation programs (Leadership Giving Circle, Tocqueville Society, Legacy Giving). The organization also hosts community events including Port City Jerry Day and Rock the Day for United Way. The programs are offered as integrated community services rather than standalone software products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Workplace Giving Program Workplace campaign program that enables corporate employees to volunteer, raise funds, and support the community through organized payroll-deduction giving initiatives. Includes downloadable toolkits, pledge forms, and key messaging resources for employers.
• Volunteer Programs Community volunteer initiatives including Day of Caring (February community service event) and Day of Action (June 21 global volunteer event), plus Birthday Kits and Basic Essentials Kits assembly for local nonprofits.
• Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) Federally funded job training program for adults aged 55 and older, providing paid part-time training at local nonprofits and public agencies, including résumé building, computer skills, and job placement support. Funded by a $45.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.
• Small Business Circle (SBC) A $365/year annual membership program for small businesses to support community initiatives. Members receive SBC window decals, event signage, event invitations, social media recognition, website acknowledgment with logo, digital SBC logo for media, and preferred vendor status for UWCFA events.
• Long Term Recovery Program Disaster recovery coordination program working with Long Term Recovery Groups in Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, and Pender counties. United Way serves as fiscal agent for Brunswick VOAD, Columbus County Disaster Coalition, New Hanover Disaster Coalition, and Pender Long-Term Recovery Group.
• Impact Zone Strategic youth development initiative targeting neighborhoods around seven schools in New Hanover County. Focuses on employability/jobs, financial assistance (housing, utilities, transportation), and youth education (6th-12th grades) through violence prevention and workforce pipeline programs.
• Agency Partners Network Partnership network of 40+ nonprofit agencies serving Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, and Pender counties providing essential education, financial stability, and health programs. Requires application process and regular reporting.
• Leadership Giving Circle Donor recognition program for leadership donors contributing at least $1,000 annually to support education, health, and financial stability initiatives.
• Tocqueville Society Donor recognition society for United Way's most generous investors contributing a minimum of $10,000 or more annually.
• Legacy Giving & Planned Giving Estate planning and planned giving options including wills, gift of life insurance, retirement plans, trusts, annuities, and gifts of securities to ensure lasting community impact.
• Community Events Annual fundraising and community engagement events including Port City Jerry Day (annual Grateful Dead music festival), Rock the Day for United Way (live music event), Spring Trike Race (6-person team relay), and various volunteer activities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 50M+ in grants distributed to community
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers17 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and standard.

• City of WilmingtonmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 September 2026Presenting sponsor for Port City Jerry Day 2026, an annual charitable event featuring live music, vendors, and community engagement supporting United Way.
• Corning Credit UnionmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 September 2026Presenting sponsor for Port City Jerry Day 2026, supporting the annual fundraising event.
• Duke EnergymajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 September 2026Presenting sponsor for Port City Jerry Day 2026, supporting community fundraising event.
• Reflections of HopemajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 September 2026Presenting sponsor for Port City Jerry Day 2026.
• Capone and AssociatesmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 September 2026Presenting sponsor for Port City Jerry Day 2026.
• Strong Roots LLCmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 September 2026Presenting sponsor for Port City Jerry Day 2026.
• CWI WorkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCWI Works is the grantee organization for the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). The program is funded by a $45.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, providing 90% of support with the center matching 10% ($4.5 million). SCSEP is the only federally funded job training program for adults aged 55 and older.
• City of WilmingtonmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership during COVID-19 pandemic to launch the Healthy Hotels Initiative, creating safe housing for shelter residents, domestic violence survivors, and patients too contagious to go home. Also partner for Port City Jerry Day event.
• New Hanover CountymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with the county during COVID-19 for the Healthy Hotels Initiative and ongoing community programs.
• Brunswick County VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Way serves as fiscal agent for Brunswick VOAD, coordinating long-term disaster recovery efforts in Brunswick County following Hurricane Florence and future disasters.
• Columbus County Disaster CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Way serves as fiscal agent for Columbus County Disaster Coalition, coordinating long-term recovery following Hurricane Florence and ongoing disaster preparedness.
• New Hanover Disaster CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Way serves as fiscal agent for New Hanover Disaster Coalition, supporting long-term recovery coordination.
• Pender Long-Term Recovery GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Way serves as fiscal agent for Pender Long-Term Recovery Group, coordinating disaster recovery efforts in Pender County.
• Cape Fear HealthNetmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCornerstone initiative launched and sustained by United Way, providing access to healthcare for uninsured residents of the Cape Fear region.
• Blue Ribbon Commission on the Prevention of Youth ViolencemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Way helped launch and sustain this initiative which continues to create safer pathways for young people in the community.
• Hometown HiresmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInitiative connecting individuals with stable employment opportunities, aligned with United Way's workforce development efforts.
• Various Corporate EmployersmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWorkplace giving campaign partners - companies running employee giving programs where workers contribute through payroll deductions to United Way.
• Small Business Circle MembersstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSmall businesses paying $365/year for membership, receiving promotional benefits, event access, and recognition. Includes Leath HR, R2S3, Salt Air, The Eagles Dare, Cutchconsolidated, M6J Consulting, Meineke, Copiers Plus, WilmingtonBiz, The Bend, Signs by Tomorrow, Starway Village, and Sylvan Learning.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Broad incumbents

• Habitat for Humanity International: Global nonprofit with a Cape Fear affiliate that is itself a UWCFA partner. Comparable federated-nonprofit model with local affiliates, donor cultivation, and grant-funded housing programs.
• United Way Worldwide: National umbrella organization for the U.S. United Way network. UWCFA is an independent local affiliate; United Way Worldwide sets brand standards and aggregates impact, making it the closest structural peer at the federation level.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: National youth development organization with a Southeastern NC affiliate that is a UWCFA partner. Comparable federally-affiliated nonprofit with local clubs, donor cultivation, and youth programming overlap with UWCFA's Impact Zone.
• The Salvation Army: Federated faith-based nonprofit providing disaster relief, social services, food, and housing support with local corps. Comparable disaster-recovery and emergency-assistance footprint to UWCFA's role as fiscal agent for regional coalitions.
• American Red Cross: National humanitarian organization with a regional Cape Fear chapter (already a UWCFA partner) that coordinates disaster relief, blood services, and emergency response. Comparable on disaster-response and emergency-shelter functions.
• Feeding America: National hunger-relief organization with regional food bank affiliates (Nourish NC, a UWCFA partner, operates in this space). Comparable federated-nonprofit model with local distribution and corporate-donor fundraising.

Regional players

• Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina: Regional community foundation serving the South Carolina Lowcountry with grantmaking, donor-advised funds, and disaster response. Comparable in scale and mission to UWCFA but serves a neighboring geographic area.

Direct peers

• NC 2-1-1 / United Way of North Carolina: Statewide information and referral service operated by United Way of North Carolina that UWCFA links residents to via its Find Help portal. Directly comparable as a United Way affiliate providing community-resource navigation in North Carolina.
• United Way of Greater Atlanta: A larger regional United Way affiliate serving the Atlanta metro with the same three-pillar model (education, income/financial stability, health) and workplace campaign fundraising. Directly comparable in mission and operating model, with stronger scale.
• United Way of Central Ohio: Mid-sized regional United Way affiliate with a comparable mix of workplace giving, donor circles, agency partner grants, and community impact programs. Closely mirrors UWCFA's structure and revenue mix.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/UnitedWayCapeFear
• Facebookfacebook.com/UnitedWayCapeFear
• Instagraminstagram.com/uwcfa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/united-way-of-the-cape-fear-area-official-page-
• Xx.com/UnitedWayCFA

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 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 Cape Fear Area