What an impactful year!
As the year comes to an end, we reflect upon the memorable highlights and measurable impact of our work in 2023—all made possible because of your support. Thank you for standing #PhillySJUnited in our mission to end poverty and expand opportunity for all.
Here’s a look back at some of our favorite moments from 2023:
Prioritizing Partnership
This year, we made an intentional change to our grant funding process to foster trust and knowledge-sharing and to embrace diverse perspectives. The new program provides 100 community partners with unrestricted grants of $50,000 every year for two years to create a more equitable local nonprofit ecosystem.
Advancing Digital Access
In today's digital age, reliable access to fast internet, devices, and the skills to use them are a necessity. To address the growing digital divide, we launched the Digital Navigator Network. An expansion of the PHLConnectED program, existing and newly added members convened in late September to launch a new era of the Network: one that extends beyond City limits to other pockets of the Commonwealth. Beyond Literacy, Drexel University’s exCITe Center, and the Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC) welcomed peer agencies ACLAMO, Chester Education Foundation, Esperanza, Goodwill of Southwestern PA, Literacy Council of Norristown, Literacy Pittsburgh, and Media Fellowship House to the Digital Navigator Network.
Supporting Communities
Since its launch in 2018, The Lubert Individual Development Account (IDA) Matched Savings program helped 1,200+ people purchase homes, start small businesses, and fund their post-secondary educations. Check out this report that showcases the strides this program has made to decrease our region’s wealth gap and help families achieve upward economic mobility.
Strengthening Civic Engagement
In partnership with The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, we co-presented a live debate on 6abc between front-runners of Philadelphia’s Democratic mayoral race. Candidates debated on a range of topics, including workforce development, education, and poverty alleviation. We are proud to continue our long-running relationship with the Chamber and to serve as a leading voice in strengthening civic engagement and addressing pressing issues facing our communities.
Celebrating Corporate Generosity
Workplace Campaigns have fueled United Way's mission for more than 100 years—helping fight poverty and create a culture of philanthropy in our region. We are proud to spotlight some exceptional corporate partners who have exceeded their fundraising goals for the year: Ametek Inc.; Aqua; DOW Chemical Northeast Technology Center; Duane Morris, LLP; Glenmede Trust Co.; Marshall, Dennehey, Warner & Coleman; PA Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company; Philadelphia Gas Works; The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia; and Triumph Group, Inc.
Fulfilling The Promise
We are proud to announce that Philadelphia’s City Council recently approved $4 million to be given to The Promise as part of their mid-year appropriations process – making it possible for The Promise to continue its work to lift Philadelphians out of poverty and create a more equitable city. In 2023, The Promise celebrated the completion of Year One of The Jobs & Opportunities Challenge. With the help of community and legal partners, the Challenge facilitated dozens of record-clearing clinics, connecting more than 1,700 Philadelphians to free legal consultations and starting them on a path to a cleared or expunged record. Learn more about The Promise and its impact.
Building Equity
Kelly Woodland, managing director of leadership equity and co-founder of the Black Nonprofit Chief Executives of Philadelphia (BNCEP), worked with other organizers to help support, grow, and strengthen Black nonprofit leadership in our region. This year’s programming included executive coaching, opportunities connecting Black leaders to funders, a summer-long professional development academy, and a series of finance workshops. Under Woodland’s leadership, BNCEP has grown to include 200+ members and is an integral part of United Way’s work to promote equitable leadership advancement. Follow us on LinkedIn for updates.
Thank you to our partners, donors, and stakeholders for standing #PhillySJUnited. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year for all.
Your generosity fuels essential programs and initiatives, creating a brighter, more equitable future for all. There’s still time to make a last impact on your community. Consider making a tax-deductible, year-end gift today.