United, we are building thriving communities.
United Way of Greater Knoxville (UWGK) brings together people and resources to strengthen our community and solve systemic issues. For over 100 years, UWGK has been a driving force for positive change. We connect businesses, individuals and organizations with a shared vision for a strong, vibrant community to support our neighbors in need.
We are striving for a future where everyone’s basic needs are met, no one lives in poverty, all kids learn and succeed and every person, family and child flourishes. Lasting change is not the work of one nonprofit, one company or one volunteer. Each of us has an important role to play.
Your donation to UWGK is an investment in lasting changes that improve people’s lives. Through our collaboration with community-based organizations, we address the community's greatest needs in Health and Food, Early Care and Education and Economic Mobility. Join us to build a thriving community.
A thriving community is where...
Everyone can earn a livable wage, grow their savings and achieve economic mobility.
Families have access to high-quality, affordable childcare to ensure every child enters school ready to learn.
Everyone has access to nutritious foods and quality, affordable healthcare.
People, nonprofits, businesses and local leaders unite for change and lift up our neighbors.
In 2023, we brought together...
4,546 donors
220 corporate partners
$8 million in donations
This allowed us to...
Fund 112 nonprofits
Match 10,727 volunteers with local needs
Serve 268,252 individuals and families in our community
United, we can ensure everyone has access to affordable, healthy food.
United, we can help single mothers have access to affordable childcare.
United, we can create pathways to help families overcome poverty.
United, we can help children get the support they need to create a brighter future.
UNITED, WE CAN accomplish what no single organization or individual can do alone. Your support will help us continue to make a meaningful impact in our community.
Supporting Families on their journey to financial freedom
Meet ETC Participant, Ronnisha
Ronnisha has been resilient through life’s challenges. As a single mom, she has worked diligently to care for her family and has pushed through hard circumstances to achieve many milestones for herself and her children. Ronnisha joined East Tennessee Collaborative to get help finding housing. After getting settled into her new home, she now works with her mentor on long-term goals. Alongside her mentor, Ronnisha is pursuing her master’s degree, working through chronic health issues and learning to celebrate small wins along the way.
paving pathways to success
Knox County's First Childcare Micro-Center
UWGK convened with Knox County Schools (KCS) and the YMCA of East Tennessee to pilot a “micro-center” to address childcare needs for KCS faculty and staff. The first micro-center is now open and serving local families in need of childcare. Teacher and mom, Devon said, “Having an opportunity to have childcare that’s also affordable is a big deal for me… They follow a curriculum, and they’re learning skills to become little students and then little adults.”
Connecting Neighborhoods and families through schools
800+ Received Thanksgiving Meals
Over the holidays, UWGK’s Community Schools team partnered with Cedar Springs Presbyterian, Knox County Parks and Recreation, the Knox County Mayor’s Office and other partners to provide Thanksgiving meals to local families. Collectively, we gathered donations, boxed and distributed Thanksgiving meal boxes to over 800 families across our Community Schools sites.
ensuring access to resources for our neighbors
Knoxville United During Winter Storms
In the wake of freezing temperatures and winter storms, many of our neighbors were left without adequate food, clothing and shelter in January 2024. UWGK coordinated with city and county employees, emergency responders, nonprofit organizations, churches, grocery stores and community volunteers to help meet the needs. Together, we were able to collect and distribute three truckloads of donated fresh produce, emergency food boxes, fresh baked goods, 160 hot meals, new clothing, and supplies to four warming centers.
Creating a strong network of support for our community
Improving Capacity Through Collaboration
UWGK created a funding opportunity focused on building trust and partnerships. Fifteen organizations were selected to receive unrestricted funding and join a cohort. Throughout the cohort, grant recipient BeYond the Cover, built a relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs of East Tennessee through their shared work. They decided to join forces and make BeYond the Cover a program of the Boys & Girls Clubs. They went from serving 15 students to 51 students and cutting down costs, which freed up funding for more trainings, supplies and scholarships for students. This partnership allows BeYond the Cover to work toward their mission more effectively, helping children become self-sufficient, positive leaders in the community.
Connecting people with the causes they care about
Meet Volunteers, Kelley and Stella
Kelley and Stella are regular volunteers at Community Schools site, Dogwood Elementary School. Kelley is on the school’s steering committee, outdoor coalition and Community Schools’ event planning committee. She and her daughter participate in almost every event Community Schools hosts, and they are never hesitant to lend a helping hand when last minute needs arise. Their dedication to staying involved and giving back is what United Way of Greater Knoxville is all about.