Regional Partnerships

Mobilizing solutions to help families succeed

It’s going to take all of us — working together — to create a stronger, more equitable future. Ending poverty requires long-term solutions and most importantly, collaboration.

For 100 years, we have formed powerful partnerships with businesses, government, funders, and nonprofits – all to multiply impact. Whether identifying gaps or responding to a crisis, your support advances our collective mission across Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey.

RESPONDING TO THE COVID-19 CRISIS

PHL COVID-19 FUND

The pandemic is expected to cause the first increase in global poverty since 1998 – and for a city like Philadelphia, where 40% of residents already live in or on the brink of poverty, that translates into more families struggling.

When the pandemic first hit, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jerse quickly stepped into action. In March 2020, we partnered with the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Foundation to launch the rapid response PHL COVID-19 Fund for frontline organizations across the region.

With more than $18M raised, PHL COVID-19 Fund quickly became the region’s largest relief and response fund that provided urgent resources to nonprofits serving those impacted by the pandemic.

But our work isn’t done. We’re continuing Covid-19 recovery efforts by helping seniors get vaccinated and supporting BIPOC entrepreneurs to promote an equitable recovery.

SEE OUR FULL COVID-19 Response

Bridging the digital divide

PHLConnectED

Almost a third of Philadelphia’s households lack Internet access, which means a limited education for thousands of school-age children even after the pandemic.

To help bridge the divide in digital equity, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey stepped up to serve as the regional coordinator for PHLConnectED, a multi-year collaborative effort ensuring Philadelphia K-12 students can connect to digital learning opportunities at home.

PHLConnectED leverages efforts of the City of Philadelphia, School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia School Partnership, Philadelphia Housing Authority, Comcast, and multiple philanthropic partners. People can connect to services using our free 24-7 HelpLine: 211.

Connect to 211

PHLCONNECTED IN ACTION

Recent Program Numbers

5,992

PHLConnectED screenings were conducted on the 211 hotline with 5,479 callers deemed eligible (as of 7/8/22)

16,638

Total enrollment with 12,158 IE codes activated, 9,972 IE accounts migrated and 4,708 hotspots distributed (as of 7/8/22)

21,000

Lifetime internet connections with over 6,000 students who received hotspots and over 12,000 households that connected to IE (as of 7/8/22)

Ensuring every person counts

2020 Census

Census 2010 showed Pennsylvania had the second-highest rate in the nation of forfeited funds per person due to undercounted individuals, drastically reducing federal support.

That’s why United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey joined forces to ensure an accurate Census 2020 count and that our communities received their share of federal support.

To make sure every person counted, we issued a $1 million challenge to the region’s civic and business community.

We also set up a $500,000 match for donations raised to boost Philly Counts 2020 and action funds in Montgomery and Delaware counties to support grassroots outreach efforts to encourage historically undercounted groups to complete the 2020 Census.

United Way’s commitment to reducing poverty created a natural opportunity to partner together. Their contributions will support an accurate Census count

felt throughout the city for the next 10 years.

- Stephanie Reid, Executive Director, Philly Counts 2020