
Who We Are
Our History
United Way of Forsyth County originated in 1923 as the Community Chest of Forsyth County. Our organization funded partner agencies that served our community in a variety of ways and aided people in need. In 1974, the name was changed to United Way of Forsyth County. Almost a century later, our organization remains a cornerstone of philanthropy in Winston Salem and Forsyth County. We continue to work hand in hand with partner agencies to align programs and resources to create the most direct and effective solutions to key social issues facing the community.
The most significant problems in our community are interconnected and complex. They require a coordinated approach by many different organizations to solve. UWFC and volunteers on the impact council are uniquely positioned to understand the needs in the community and how proposals from our partners will address these needs. We hold our partners and ourselves accountable for the money we invest in every program.
people are always at the heart of what we do at United Way

Who We Are Now
United Way of Forsyth County is not the same organization that we were 10 years ago. Our community is not the same community that it was 10 years ago. The way we approach our work is different. We no longer just raise money and pass it on to nonprofits in the community. We build cross-sector relationships and convene organizations to address problems that are complex and require a multi-faceted approach while providing funding to achieve goals. The pace of change is faster and more continuous than it used to be which means we are nimble in the way we approach our work to meet the evolving and increasing challenges our community faces. We do all these things so we can achieve our mission and bring the community’s resources together to build a better tomorrow for every single person who lives in Forsyth County.

At United Way of Forsyth County, we value collaboration and working cross-sectionally to ensure that we have the right partners to address our community’s greatest challenges. Not only in our internal process, but also with the programs that we invest in, we understand that continuous improvement means that we are learning to adapt our strategies to achieve our goals. We do our work with integrity and understand the magnitude of the responsibility placed on us by our donor investments. Diversity in partnerships, programming, and investments strengthens our approach and ensures we invest in the best ways to address community problems. We all share a passion for creating a thriving community for every single person in Forsyth County. We cannot keep doing the work the same way it has always been; we believe in innovation and creative approaches. United Way of Forsyth County is determined to do our through the lens of equity, so we are working with all community members and ensuring all voices are heard.

Reading Room: 2023 Annual Meeting Q&A
Guests gathered on Tuesday, April 11th, for a light breakfast, networking, and to hear an update from President and CEO Dr. Antonia Monk Richburg on the “State of United…
Press Release: Six Honored with United Way Spirit of North Carolina Awards
WINSTON-SALEM, NC (MARCH 6, 2023)–United Way of Forsyth County has announced that five organizations and one individual received 2022 Spirit of North Carolina awards. The annual Spirit of North…