UNITED to THRIVE

Fostering an Equitable, Engaged, Empowered Community


LIVE UNITED

State of Nonprofits

Find out more about Iowa organizations in the 2024 Central Iowa Nonprofit Sector Survey.

Read the Report

2024 Community Report

View the annual Community Report, highlighting critical issues in our community. 

2024 Community Report

Advocacy

Learn about United Way of Central Iowa's advocacy priorities and how we advocate for all central Iowans

ADVOCATE

What we do

WHAT WE DO

You know United Way... but do you understand what we do?

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GET INVOLVED

Central Iowans are United to Thrive, and to make our community better for all.

ABOUT US

ABOUT US

We improve lives by uniting the caring power of community.

We are UNITED to THRIVE

United Way of Central Iowa's strategic focus outlines the way our organization establishes standards, sets goals, and measure progress in the community. UNITED to THRIVE guides our strategic approach as we unite central Iowans to foster a thriving community – one that is equitable, engaged, and empowered.

Learn More about UNITED to THRIVE

THE FIVE ELEMENTS OF A THRIVING COMMUNITY

United Way of Central Iowa focuses on issues in our community that fall within the Five Elements of a thriving community as listed below. Click the icon to find specific information about that issue here in central Iowa—and how United Way uniting central Iowans to thrive.

UNITED to THRIVE

Essential
Needs
Essential Needs

Early Childhood
Success
EARLY CHILDHOOD SUCCESS

Education
Success
Education

Economic
OpportunityECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

Health &
Well-BeingHealth & Well-Being

 

RECENT BLOG POSTS

Nearly 30,000 Books Donated to Support Central Iowa Kids Through Stuff the Bus Book Drive

Thanks to the incredible generosity of employees from more than 25 organizations and countless individuals across the community, United Way of Central Iowa collected nearly 30,000 children’s books...

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Dave Stone Receives 2025 Dr. Alma Salazar Bridge Builder Award

United Way of Central Iowa is proud to share that Dave Stone, our Advocacy Officer, has been honored with the 2025 Dr. Alma Salazar Bridge Builder Award. Presented annually by the National Skills...

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LIVE UNITED 2025: Recognizing Progress, People, and Possibility

Each spring, United Way of Central Iowa brings together our incredible network of donors, volunteers, advocates, and partners to celebrate the power of community. At this year’s LIVE UNITED...

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United Way of Central Iowa Blog   Stories of Success