United Way Of Greater Lorain County

What United Way Of Greater Lorain County does

United Way of Greater Lorain County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered at 642 Broadway in Lorain, Ohio, operating across Lorain County since 1907 with a lean team of approximately ten staff under President & CEO Ryan Aroney. The organization functions as a county-level community backbone, coordinating resources and programs across four declared impact areas: Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency. Its core service portfolio includes the 24/7 211 First Call for Help information and referral hotline, Lorain County Free Tax Prep (IRS-VITA-certified volunteer preparers for households earning under $69,000), the UCAN emergency financial assistance collaborative, Collect. Sort. Deliver. (essential-items collection, sorting, and distribution), United We Sweat (free community fitness classes), Little Free Libraries, Mobility Management (transportation coordination for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income residents), and nine Community Collaboratives such as 231 Go!, OberlinKids, Rising Titans, Southside Pride, THRIVE!, Heart & Sole, and KEY.

Name

United Way Of Greater Lorain County

Legal name

United Way of Greater Lorain County

Website

https://uwloraincounty.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1907

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

United Way of Greater Lorain County is a nonprofit organization serving Lorain County, Ohio, delivering programs across youth opportunity, healthy community, financial security, and community resiliency. It coordinates the 211 hotline, Free Tax Prep, UCAN emergency assistance, Collect. Sort. Deliver., and nine community collaboratives for county residents.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Social Assistance (624), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Financial Assistance & Benefits Navigation Services (BPAGAEAK)

Keywords

• Community impact programs
• Nonprofit fundraising
• Volunteer engagement
• Financial assistance services
• Youth development programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Lorain

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual and Corporate Donations: The organization raises funds through annual workplace giving campaigns, individual donations via its website donation portal (epledge.uwloraincounty.org), and corporate sponsorships. Donors can make one-time or recurring gifts, and can designate funds to specific impact areas, other United Ways, or qualified charitable agencies.
2. Fundraising Events: Revenue generated through signature events like A Night at The Bee (team registration $200, spectator tickets $55), Comedy After Dark ($30 tickets), and Cocktail Hour for a Cause ($25 donation). Sponsorships from corporate partners provide additional event revenue.
3. Small Business Partnership Programs: Small Business United initiative allows local businesses to donate a portion of sales (e.g., $1 per specialty drink) to United Way, creating a revenue stream while supporting local commerce.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

United Way of Greater Lorain County is a community-based nonprofit that coordinates collective-impact programs across four areas: Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency. Direct offerings include the 211 First Call for Help 24/7 resource hotline, IRS-certified free tax preparation for households earning under $69,000, UCAN emergency financial assistance, United We Sweat free fitness classes, Little Free Libraries, and Mobility Management transportation coordination. The organization also operates Collect. Sort. Deliver. essential-item distribution and nine community collaboratives aggregating local schools, hospitals, libraries, nonprofits, and government agencies.

Product overview

United Way of Greater Lorain County operates as a community impact organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programs and initiatives rather than a single product. The organization provides four core impact areas: Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency. Key service products include the 211 First Call for Help information/referral hotline, Lorain County Free Tax Prep free tax filing service, and UCAN emergency financial assistance. Community mobilization programs include Collect. Sort. Deliver. for essential item distribution, and United We Sweat for free fitness classes. Youth development is supported through collaboratives including OberlinKids, Rising Titans, Ready Set Go!, 231 Go!, and Southside Pride. Health initiatives include THRIVE!, Heart & Sole, and KEY. The organization also runs signature fundraising events like A Night at the Bee and Cocktail Hour for a Cause volunteer events.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Collect. Sort. Deliver. School supplies collection, sorting, and delivery initiative
• UCAN
• Lorain County Free Tax Prep
• United We Sweat
• Lorain County Little Free Library
• Small Business United
• Mobility Management

Products and services

• Collect. Sort. Deliver. Volunteer-driven initiative that collects high-need items such as school supplies, diapers, menstrual products, hygiene supplies, and books; sorts them through community volunteer events; and delivers them to trusted partner agencies for distribution to families in need.
• 211 First Call for Help 24/7/365 community resource hotline available by phone, text, or web that connects residents to essential services including housing, utilities, food, transportation, and tax preparation assistance.
• Lorain County Free Tax Prep Free tax preparation service staffed by IRS-certified volunteers that helps low-to-moderate income individuals and families (earning less than $69,000) file federal and state tax returns to maximize refunds and avoid preparation fees.
• United We Sweat Community-wide initiative offering free fitness classes including yoga, strength training, cardio, and dance at locations throughout Lorain County, designed to remove cost and accessibility barriers to healthy living.
• Little Free Libraries Book distribution initiative founded in 2013 with The Stocker Foundation that maintains a network of free book exchange stations across Lorain County, promoting literacy and a love of reading for all ages.
• Mobility Management Transportation coordination service that helps connect residents, particularly seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals, to reliable and affordable transportation options for accessing jobs, healthcare, education, and essential services.
• UCAN (United Community Assistance Network) Collaborative initiative providing year-round emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, and basic needs to help low-income working families resolve immediate financial crises and develop plans for household sustainability.
• Small Business United Program enabling local small businesses to partner with United Way through giving options like register round-ups or specialty menu items, with a portion of proceeds donated to support community impact initiatives.
• OberlinKids Community collaborative focused on kindergarten readiness in Oberlin, supporting parents and families of children ages 0-5 with resources to ensure children enter school prepared for success.
• Rising Titans Community collaborative of 21 partners supporting early childhood education for children ages 0-5 in Lorain through four pillars: Empowering Families, Engaging Families, Healthy Beginnings, and Aligning Systems.
• Ready, Set, Go...to Kindergarten Community collaboration between early childhood education providers, community agencies, and Elyria City School District working to ensure all Elyria children have access to quality early education programs for kindergarten readiness.
• 231 Go! Community collaborative focused on supporting intermediate and middle school students (grades 5-8) in the 231 Census Tract and surrounding South Lorain neighborhoods through developmental assets for academic success and positive self-concept.
• Southside Pride Community collaborative in South Elyria focused on helping middle school students improve health knowledge, develop life skills, and avoid risky behaviors to achieve better educational and social outcomes.
• THRIVE! Community collaborative in Southern Lorain County focused on creating affordable opportunities for residents to live healthier through healthy eating, active living, and social/emotional support to reduce metabolic syndromes.
• Heart & Sole Community collaborative in North Ridgeville focused on whole-person health and wellness through healthy eating initiatives, partnerships with local growers, and collaborative planning with community organizations.
• KEY (Keystone Empowers You) Community collaborative focused on whole-person health and wellness across the Keystone Local School District community, offering blood pressure monitoring, indoor walking programs, and family wellness activities.
• Cocktail Hour for a Cause Recurring volunteer event series where participants make a minimum donation to attend, enjoy refreshments, and participate in hands-on volunteer projects assembling kits for community distribution.
• A Night at the Bee Annual game-night style fundraising competition featuring spelling, history, STEM, and art categories, with proceeds supporting United Way's local education initiatives focused on kindergarten readiness and middle school success.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2,221+ tax returns filed, $2M+ in refunds secured, $800K in fees saved annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles3 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 core and minor.

• American Legion Post 30coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Presenting sponsor for A Night at The Bee and Comedy After Dark events. Provides matching donations up to $2,000 for Comedy After Dark. Hosts events at their venue (1112 W. Erie Ave., Lorain). Long-term community partner supporting United Way initiatives.
• Lorain County Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Collaboration for fitness instructor certification program. United Way helps cover certification costs for instructors who teach classes in high-priority neighborhoods. LCCC also hosts indoor walking programs at University Partnership Ridge Campus.
• Lorain City SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey education partner for 231 Go! Community Collaborative focused on middle school success, Escalera college/career readiness, and Behind the Curtain positive behavior programs serving students in grades 5-8.
• University HospitalscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in United We Sweat initiative providing free fitness classes across Lorain County. Collaboration supports community wellness programming.
• The Wine Room and TaverncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSmall Business United partner featuring specialty cocktail 'The Frosty Way' with $1 per drink donated to United Way. Also hosts Cocktail Hour for a Cause events and community gatherings for partner organizations.
• Lorain County Metro ParksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Heart & Sole and United We Sweat initiatives, providing locations for fitness programming and outdoor wellness activities.
• Elyria Public Library SystemcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFree Tax Prep site locations for income-eligible residents. Partner in community resource distribution and wellness programming including indoor walking routes.
• Lorain Public Library SystemcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFree Tax Prep site locations and community partner for resource distribution. Multiple branches serve as collection sites and programming venues.
• The Haven CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Extreme Weather Activation Protocol providing overflow shelter beds when temperatures drop below 32°F. Critical partner in housing instability response system.
• Catholic Charities St. Elizabeth CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Extreme Weather Activation Protocol providing overflow shelter beds during hazardous cold weather conditions for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Oberlin Community ServicescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUCAN collaborative partner providing emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, and basic needs. Critical partner in financial security programming.
• First Federal Savings of LorainminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFree Tax Prep site location and event sponsor. Partner in community financial wellness initiatives.
• UPSminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing hygiene kit supplies for volunteer packing events supporting neighbors in need.
• BrightspeedcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor for Cocktail Hour for a Cause volunteer events. Corporate partner supporting Collect. Sort. Deliver. essential items program.
• Cleveland ClinicminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in North Ridgeville Heart & Sole health initiative, bringing healthcare resources to community wellness programming.
• Mercy HealthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner in THRIVE! Southern Lorain County wellness collaborative, supporting metabolic syndrome reduction initiatives.
• El CentrominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in 231 Go! Community Collaborative supporting Latino youth and families in South Lorain.
• MHARS Board of Lorain CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental health and addiction recovery partner in 231 Go! collaborative supporting youth behavioral health and wellness.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Goodwill Industries of Lorain County: A national nonprofit with Lorain County presence focused on workforce development, financial stability, and community services. Comparable in mission scope (financial stability, community resiliency) and donor base, though its workforce model is distinct.
• United Way Worldwide: The national umbrella organization for the United Way system. Comparable as the brand and infrastructure provider that Greater Lorain County operates under, sharing 211, branding standards, and best-practice resources.
• Salvation Army of Lorain County: A faith-based social services organization operating emergency assistance, shelter, and youth programs in Lorain County. Comparable because it overlaps with United Way on emergency financial assistance, shelter referrals, and family support.

Direct peers

• United Way of Summit & Medina: Another Ohio regional United Way operating collective-impact collaboratives, free tax prep (VITA), 211 resource lines, and youth/family stability programs. Closely mirrors the operating model of United Way of Greater Lorain County.
• 211 of Northeast Ohio: A regional 211 information-and-referral call center. Comparable because the 211 First Call for Help hotline is a core United Way product; overlapping service categories and beneficiary segments make this a functional peer in the I&R space.
• United Way of Greater Cleveland: A neighboring regional United Way affiliate serving Cuyahoga County with a similar portfolio of collective-impact programs, workplace giving, and 211-style resource navigation. Most directly comparable peer because of overlapping geography and identical United Way system affiliation.
• Community Action Agency of Lorain County: A federally funded anti-poverty community action agency serving Lorain County with emergency assistance, weatherization, and self-sufficiency programs. Directly comparable because it operates many of the same social-service programs targeting the same low-income population.
• Greater Lorain County Community Foundation: A local community foundation serving the same Lorain County geography with grants, scholarships, and donor-advised funds. Directly comparable because it competes for the same local donor pool and supports many of the same beneficiary populations.
• Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland (Lorain County Office): Operates the St. Elizabeth Center, a direct partner in United Way's Extreme Weather Activation Protocol. Comparable because it provides emergency assistance, shelter, and case management to overlapping vulnerable populations in Lorain County.

Regional players

• Lorain County Community College Foundation: An education-focused fundraising entity in Lorain County that partners with United Way on workforce and certification programs. Comparable because it draws on the same local donor base for community-impact outcomes in education.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/united-way-of-greater-lorain-county

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 Greater Lorain County