United Way of York County Sc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
United Way of York County, SC Mission Statement is to help 3,000 York County families achieve financial stability by 2030.
- Income
- $997,207
- Spending
- $978,907
- Spent on programs
- 88%
- Reserves
- 19.9 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 98%
- Employees
- 7
- Volunteers
- 249
- Highest pay
- $129,711, president
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 92 out of 100.
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 19.9 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
12 of 15Income exceeded spending by 2% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 2% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1588% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 7 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100.
Independent board
25 of 2517 of 17 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (5)
- $511,545 spent. Community Investment Process: Agencies seeking direct funding through UWYC must meet eligibility and financial reporting requirements and demonstrate that their local programs meet identified needs and issues. Agencies approved for funding must submit quarterly financial and quarterly outcome reports to maintain accountability and transparency to receive funds. Agencies failing to submit reports in a timely manner may face penalty or forfeit remaining funds for noncompliance of Memorandum of Agreement. The Community Investment Cabinet, along with local volunteers ensure that these requirements are met by all funded partners. See SCHEDULE O for additional program detail. Community Investment Process Continuation:Community Investment Process: Agencies seeking direct funding through UWYC must meet eligibility and financial reporting requirements and demonstrate that their local programs meet identified needs and issues. Agencies approved for funding must submit quarterly financial and quarterly outcome reports to maintain accountability and transparency to receive funds. Agencies failing to submit reports in a timely manner may face penalty or forfeit remaining funds for noncompliance of Memorandum of Agreement. The Community Investment Cabinet, along with local volunteers ensure that these requirements are met by all funded partners.The Community Investment Cabinet (CIC) consists of volunteers and United Way board members. The CIC evaluates the funding proposals in relationship to the board approved financial stability root cause indicators and potential for creating lasting change with available funds for program distribution. The CICs funding recommendation is acted upon and approved by UWYCs Board of Directors based on each years projected revenue results. We utilize an online platform, Community Force (CF), to collect grant applications and other reports. All agencies submitted their eligibility, application, and all reports via this system. CIC members reviewed and evaluated the agency applications via the CF system. This years allocation meetings were conducted via Zoom virtual meeting technology. CIC members and UWYC staff joined sessions with agency leaders to evaluate their program and learn more about their grant request.The Community Investment Process is a cost-effective way to evaluate agency program applications and to ensure that the people who live and work in the community served by UWYC are represented in funding decisions. The annual Community Investment process utilized 26 local volunteers that were assigned to teams that review program applications, complete agency evaluation rubrics and interview agency leadership to make informed decisions and funding recommendations. Volunteers come from a wide array of business, government, health care, education, and other professions. UWYC trains these volunteers in evaluating program outcomes and reviewing agency financial information. This year we added volunteers that were experienced in financial stability. We specifically engaged individuals with expertise in financial literacy and workforce development. The UWYC scoring system is designed to encourage reliable scoring of applications. The UWYC grant application scoring system uses a 9-point scale. In assigning their score, reviewers consider: Alignment with the Bold Goal The financial capability of the agency Whether the agency serves the target population The extent to which the program uses an evidence-based model that can demonstratehow it meets a need in the target population The impact of the program on the target population The quality of the demographic data provided by the agency Submission of required documentation Alignment with one or more special considerationsThe following summarizes the Community Investment activities of United Way of York County as of June 30, 2025:1. Financial Stability Partner GrantsUWYC invested a total of $357,500 as part of our UWYC Grants this fiscal year. Our CIC provided $307,000 in Financial Stability Partner Grants to 12 agencies for the 2024-25 funding cycle from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. The grant recipients were A Father's Way, Alston Wilkes Society, Bethel Shelters, Children's Attention Home, Habitat for Humanity, Pilgrims Inn, The Foundation for Rock Hill Schools, Rock Hill Economic Development Corporation, Safe Passage, United Way of York County, York County First Steps, and York One Schools. United Way of York Countys Financial Stability partners served 1,144 individuals during the 2024-2025 funding cycle. These partners report quarterly on required metrics and the impact of this work can be found in Section 5, Evaluation and Measurement. They served clients in three specific areas: Financial Literacy, Workforce Development, and Economic and Family Support. In addition to our typical Financial Stability Partner Grants, UWYC provided the following additional grant opportunities as part of our 2024-25 cycle.Childcare Assistance Program: UWYC partnered with York County First Steps and York Technical College to provide Childcare Assistance for York Technical College students up to $185 per week per student. UWYC invested $44,660 in this program to provide assistance for 5* York Technical College students, covering the childcare tuition for their children for the entire academic year. *Note: One student left YTC after the fall semester and was replaced with a new student for the spring semester.Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program : The Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP) is a federal program administered by the US Department of Homeland Securitys Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and has been entrusted through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (PL 100-77) to supplement and expand ongoing efforts to provide shelter, food and supportive services for the nations hungry and homeless, and people in economic crisis. The National Board selected United Way Worldwide to once again
- $175,753 spent. Collaborative Programs and ServicesThese programs include the following: Money Works Financial Literacy Program; Letter Carriers' "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive; Innovative StrategiesSee SCHEDULE O for additional program detail. Collaborative Programs and ServicesMoney Works Financial Literacy Program: In partnership with The City of Rock Hill, United Way staff worked to develop a financial literacy program for Citizens of Rock Hill. Based on the FDIC's evidence-based curriculum, Money Smart, Money Works is a "choose your own path" program that allows clients to customize their experience based on their financial knowledge and skills, as well as their long-term goals. Each participant partners with a Money Works staff member to provide individual financial coaching and support and choose the modules that best suit their specific needs. The modules are:i. Module 1: Money Values & Influencesii. Module 2: Income & Expensesiii. Module 3: Spending & Saving Planiv. Module 4: Bankingv. Module 5: Savingsvi. Module 6: Credit Reports & Scoresvii. Module 7: Managing Debtviii. Module 8: Buying a Homeix. Module 9: Foreclosure Preventionx. Module 10: Building Your Financial FutureThe Money Works program is structured to provide financial education for working families. Through these individualized relationships, clients gain the skills necessary to make their financial goals a reality. Money works is used in one-on-one financial coaching with participants in the Financial Stability Network. In the 2024-2025 fiscal year, case managers/financial coaches provided 15 hours of financial coaching to FSN participants.Innovative Strategies- Power to Thrive: UWYCs innovative Impact Strategy, Power to Thrive, removes barriers to help low-to-moderate income families more easily access and navigate services to reach financial stability. An Individuals path to self-sufficiency is often filled with obstacles that can slow or even prevent them from escaping poverty. We have a responsibility to focus our resources where the greatest impact can be made to eliminate the complex hurdles limiting families to simply survive instead of truly thriving. Power to Thrive implements UWYCs Three Cs: Champion, Connect, and Convene:I. Champion: Financial Stability Advocacy, United Way seeks to educate our community about the many barriers families face on their path to stability. We are in communication with local, state, and federal officials about policies and decisions that influence ones ability to be financially secure.II. Connect: Financial Stability Grants, our impact work requires not only collaboration but also an investment in deeper relationships with our strategic partners. High impact organizations can apply for our financial stability grants on an annual basis. We utilize the Results-Based Accountability framework to hold ourselves and our partners accountable to collective impact outcomes that move the needle on our communitys challenges.III. Convene: UWYCs Financial Stability Network, UWYC serves as a lead organization in convening partners to seamlessly connect families with organizations addressing common barriers to financial stability. This innovative approach relies on collaboration to provide case management and coaching to remove barriers and support families on a path to pursue their dreams of financial self-sufficiency.IV. Financial Stability Network: UWYC Staff worked with 15 participants during the 24-25 fiscal year. The Financial Stability Network (FSN) offers one-on-one centralized case management, financial coaching, and economic and family support services. Case managers meet with individuals to assess participants needs and connect them with the resources needed to assist them in reaching their financial goals. Goals are set during the intake process and case managers and financial coaches work with individuals to assist them in reaching these goals. Goals are reviewed during each interaction with participant and assessments are revisited on a quarterly basis to track progress and to make improvements to program delivery as needed. Case management plays a key role in keeping families engaged in the program by removing short-term barriers that arise when families face a financial crisis. The Economic and Family Support Fund helps families deal with emergency situations that would otherwise derail their participation. For example, case managers may assist with utility bills, childcare costs, or lack of transportation. These crisis situations add stress to the family and divert attention from their long-term goals. By resolving crisis situations internally when they are brought to the attention of the case manager, families can remain on the path to financial stability without disruption. In the 2024-2025 year, the Economic and Family Support Fund dedicated $5,874.11 to addressing client emergencies in the FSN. Additionally, the FSN is intentional about fostering working relationships with other agencies in the community to create a seamless referral network that best serves participants. Services include employment services and career advancement opportunities, financial education/coaching and asset building, and income support. Through these individualized relationships, participants gain the skills and resources necessary to make their financial and career plans a reality.Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive: Each year York County community residents participate in the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. UWYC partners with the National Association of Letter Carriers through our local post offices and coordinates with food banks that need their shelves stocked during critical summer months. Residents are encouraged to leave non-perishable food items by their mailbox for local mail carriers to pick-up. In York County, food items were collected in Rock Hill and Fort Mill, where residents donated 7,304.50 pounds of food.i. HOPE of Rock Hill received 1,200 pounds of foodii. Pilgrims Inn received 1,
- $142,025 spent. Community Engagement Community Education through Financial Hardship Simulations: As part of ourcommunity engagement strategy, United Way of York County facilitated theBuilding Your Budget Household Survival Simulation for 545 individuals in YorkCounty.See SCHEDULE O for additional program detail. Community Engagement Community Education through Financial Hardship Simulations: As part of our community engagement strategy, United Way of York County facilitated the Building Your Budget Household Survival Simulation for 545 individuals in York County. Building Your Budget is an interactive in-person activity that builds understanding about how low-wage jobs affect individuals and families. UWYC created this simulation to help people better understand what it is like to have a low-wage job, by challenging the player to live on various low-wage incomes based on York County wages. The participants are asked to make tough decisions regarding housing, transportation, food, childcare, and other major decisions for their families, all while facing unexpected challenges.Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed {ALICE) Data: Started by the UW of NW New Jersey, United for ALICE represents a grassroots movement to raise awareness about an essential but previously hidden part of our community, ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE earns more than the official US Poverty Level, but less than what it costs to survive in the counties where they live. In coordination with the United Ways of SC, UWYC supported the development and launch of South Carolina for ALICE. Our local ALICE report provides York County specific data on the actual costs of a Household Survival Budget based on family composition and how many households earn below that amount. Household Survival Budgets consider variables such as housing, childcare, food, transportation, healthcare, technology, and taxes to calculate the minimum cost to live and work in York County. This initiative helps to provide current research to quantify the basic cost of living, identify and assess financial hardship, and identify gaps in assistance and community resources, and stimulate action that will improve the financial stability and well-being of ALICE Families. UWYC has engaged in bimonthly meetings to expand internal knowledge on the lived experiences of ALICE families alongside United Ways of SC, engaged local stakeholders in the release of ALICE in Focus: Children data in September 2024 as well as the 2025 release, The State of ALICE: South Carolina in May 2025. Studies of ALICE data by UWYC staff and community members can inform our practice and work towards building solutions that will improve the experiences of ALICE families.
- Community ResiliencyEvery community deserves the opportunity to prosper. At UWYC we collaborate with our neighbors, partner agencies and businesses to build resilient communities that are ready for any challenge. Through disaster preparedness and community services we are strengthening the foundations of York County for a more secure future.a. York County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (YC-COAD): United Way of York County leads the steering committee of YCCOAD comprised of York Baptist Association, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and our local Emergency Management. YC- COAD works to bring voluntary and governmental agencies as well as local businesses together to foster more effective preparedness, response and recovery to the community of York County in times of disaster. In contributing to long-term community strengthening through group training, workshops, collaboration and open communication, YC- COAD works to fill gaps that may exist in the response and recovery process of a disaster with the effective work of our local agencies in York County. YC- COAD strives to create an environment where every individual feels safe, supported, and empowered. YC- COAD Steering Committee meets on the first Monday of each month (September through June) and in the 2024-2025 fiscal year held 10 planning meetings. Bylaws were ratified April 7, 2025. Individual meetings with agencies have been held to assess strengths, needs, and support agencies throughout York County in a time of disaster to establish available resources in times of disaster and continue with the development of a collaborative and strengthenedcommunity.i. On April 29, 2025, Mary Louise Resch from the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR) joined 14 community members from 8 YC-COAD agencies (including United Way of York County, York County Emergency Management, Rock Hill Housing Authority, Housing Development Corporation of Rock Hill, Clover Area Assistance Center, Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross and The Haven) to review the role of SCOR in disasters in South Carolina through disaster case management, service referrals, coordination, potential for future trainings, and identification of funding sources in the event of a disaster.b. Hurricane Helene Response and Recovery: In response to the effects of Hurricane Helene, York County residents demonstrated a high desire to assist in efforts for recovery. In the weeks following Hurricane Helene, many calls were received with inquiries regarding inkind donations and volunteer opportunities. UWYC worked diligently to make connections with local drives and collection centers to appropriately place donations and connect volunteers with appropriate opportunities that would assist in recovery in areas that needed assistance. Recommendations were also made to those seeking volunteer opportunities to complete training programs to be prepared to assist in future disasters.i. UWYC Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery Grant: In response to the damaging effects of Hurricane Helene in September of 2024, United Way of York County received granted funds from the One SC Fund in the amount of $3,747.23 and United Way Worldwide in the amount of $35,475.74 for a total of $39,222.97. Funds were sub-granted to Habitat for Humanity of York County to directly assist in repairs of homes for noninsured, low to moderate-income, owner-occupied residents of York County. In partnering with Habitat for Humanity of York County, funds positively impacted 11 individuals in five families by means of roof replacement and drywall repairs, restoring their homes from the effects of Hurricane Helene allowing families to continue to safely reside in their homes and strengthen resilience towards future natural disasters.c. United Way's Call Center 2-1-1: In September 2007, UWYC established this county-wide, federally designated calling code to provide residents with access to comprehensive information and referral for health and human services. United Way's 2-1-1 is a confidential and free service that is staffed 24/7 with an easy to remember number. 2-1-1 is accessible from both cell and land line telephones in York County. Callers are connected to our accredited call center, administered by the United Way Association of South Carolina. Certified call specialists make appropriate referrals to all area service providers in York County.i. In 2024-2025, 2,292 calls were received for York County and more than 7,963 community needs were identified and referred to appropriate agencies and organizations. York County assisted 323 residents with their needs via text message. Rent Assistance remains the most requested need for York County residents, making up 33% of all calls to our local 2-1-1. Shelters and electric service payment assistance were the second and third most requested services, making up 19% and 15% of all calls, respectively. In 2024- 2025 fiscal year more than 4,372 website connections were made in York County with local resources.ii. In the fall of 2024, Hurricane Helene's impact was noted through an influx of calls seeing disaster services account for 7% of total calls received by 2-1-1 creating connections for disaster related food assistance, shelter assistance, debris removal and clean up, insurance claims information, mental health services and cash grant assistance in recovery from the effects of the storm.Evaluation and MeasurementResults Based Accountability: United Way of York County implements a Results-Based Accountability model (RBA). The RBA model identifies both population and performance measures and is a simple, common-sense framework that everyone can understand. UWYC's funded partners report monthly on required performance measures that UWYC staff compiles to answer 3 questions: How much did we do? How well did we do it? and Is anyone better off? Population accountability organizes our work with partners to promote community wellbeing. In contrast, Performance Accountability
- How Well Did We Do It?48 participants are consistently able to pay their bills on time160 participants were referred to other providers or programs for wrap- around or continued services.Is Anyone Better Off?53% of participants received rent or mortgage assistance27% of participants received utility assistance20% of participants received transportation assistance13% of participants received childcare assistance74% of participants received food assistanceii. Population Measures: It is critical to identify powerful measures to determine the progress a community is making towards achieving Financial Stability. For communities, the measurements are known as community indicators and are usually collected by public agencies. UWYC tracks the following community indicators related to Financial Stability:Financial Literacy Community IndicatorsIndicator 2024-2025Median Family Income - $101,836% of working families earning $50,000 annually or less - 27%% of female headed households earning below ALICE survival threshold - 70%Workforce Development Community IndicatorsIndicator 2024-2025% of adults aged 25 and older less than high school education - 7.4%% of population (16+) who are unemployed - 3%Economic and Family Support Community IndicatorsIndicator 2024-2025% of families who are rent burdened (rent over 30% of income) - 71%% of families who are mortgage burdened (mortgage over 30% of income) - 41%% of families utilizing SNAP - 6.6%% of families who are uninsured or under insured - 7.4%DEI WorkDEI Taskforce: UWYC recognizes that improving lives in the communities we serve means we must explicitly focus on removing these barriers for ALL community members, especially those whose voices have traditionally been marginalized. For this reason, we have a responsibility and are committed to equity in our programming. UWYC has a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Taskforce made up of board members as well as community experts in this field. The purpose of this taskforce is to guide UWYC in decision-making and strategies that address inequity and barriers to success for all community members. This work includes addressing systems, policies, practices, belief systems, and attitudes that have served to privilege some and disenfranchise others. The DEI Taskforce also reviews the grant application before it is available to community agencies and serves as DEI grant reviewers during the grant review and allocation process.UWYC Statement on Equity: United Way of York County, SC, advocates for greater opportunity for all and supports equality and freedom within our diverse community. York County's history, from the Catawba Indian Nation dating back 6,000 years, to the Friendship 9 "Jail, No Bail" movement, is rich in diversity and the pursuit of equality. In honoring that history, United Way of York County is committed to providing services and assistance to the York County community that support a safe and healthy home for all.The present-day reality in the United States is that bias based on race/ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and ALL other identities impacted by systemic, institutional, and historical barriers have created lasting inequities and pose ongoing barriers to enabling everyone to live an equitable, respectful, and fulfilling life. United Way of York County, SC, recognizes that improving lives in the communities we serve means we must explicitly focus on removing these barriers for ALL community members, especially those whose voices have traditionally been marginalized.This pursuit includes addressing systems, policies, practices, belief systems, and attitudes that have served to privilege some and disenfranchise others. Only through an intentional focus on removing barriers can we aspire to create the conditions that allow everyone the opportunity to thrive.United Way of York County believes that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. We must call out discrimination and demand its removal from our society; otherwise, we endorse the status quo and remain complicit.We believe that community challenges are sustainably solved when all groups come together. We work with residents and public and private partners to cocreate solutions to ensure everyone has the resources, supports, opportunities, and networks they need to thrive. We stand in solidarity with community members and other organizations addressing disparities across our nation-and affirm our commitment to building an inclusive and equitable community in York County.We unequivocally denounce racism and ethnic discrimination because it undermines the well-being and vitality of our communities. We work consistently and intentionally to pursue equity by:i. Leveraging an Equity Taskforce of community experts to provide strategies, best practices, and success measures to create more equitable communities. Committing to becoming more diverse, inclusive, and equitable as an organization.ii. Partnering with and funding organizations that align with our racial equity values. Utilizing data to ensure we positively impact communities of color and other marginalized communities.iii. Equipping the UWYC staff, Board, and community partners with the skills and knowledge to inform and build equitable approaches to work and life. To advance these goals, we must have courageous, open dialogue and hold one another accountable for continuous progress. We must all do our part, working United, to make our community equitable, respectful, and rich with opportunities for all.We, as a society, have a responsibility to protect the basic human rights and freedoms of people everywhere.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since March 1956.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.