PARTNERSHIP PROPOSAL
“ Businesses cannot be successful when the society around them fails.
— Klaus Schwab FOUNDER WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM
For over 100 years, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County (UWABC) has played a vital role in co-creating solutions to complex community issues. Our mission is to bring the necessary people, partners, and resources together to improve lives and tackle our community’s toughest challenges. We serve as a convener, aligning resources and strategies to drive meaningful impact in the areas of youth opportunity and community resiliency.
Local businesses and corporations drive the well-being of the places where their teams live, work, and raise families. When communities thrive, businesses do, too — each depends on the strength of the other. A strong local economy is built on a foundation of healthy, educated, and financially stable individuals. When businesses invest in their communities, they cultivate a workforce that is more engaged, loyal, and prepared for success. They enhance their brand reputation, attract top talent, and contribute to a cycle of prosperity that benefits everyone. In short, businesses that actively participate in community impact foster goodwill and create a more sustainable and successful future for themselves and the people they serve.
UWABC believes that real, lasting change happens when businesses and nonprofits work together. We invite you, our local business and corporate leaders, to join us in this mission. Your partnership helps shape the future of our community, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to succeed. Below, we outline the various ways you and your employees can invest in the success of Asheville and Buncombe County through a partnership with UWABC. Let’s get to work!
Dan Leroy President & CEO
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County
of employees prefer to work for a company with values aligned to their own, especially social causes. 86%
INVESTMENT
BUSINESS UNITED PREMIER OPPORTUNITY
Business United is a network of socially responsible businesses dedicated to collective impact. Businesses engage in networking, leadership opportunities, and targeted community initiatives that align with their corporate values.
74%
21% of employees say community work increases their trust in senior leadership.
increase in employee productivity seen in organizations practicing CSR.
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SPONSORSHIPS
Sponsorships provide your business with the opportunity to align your brand with UWABC’s mission while gaining valuable visibility. Sponsors support specific programs, initiatives, or events and, in return, receive marketing exposure, brand recognition, and community goodwill.
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CORPORATE GIVING
Corporate Giving includes financial contributions, in-kind donations, and matching gift programs. These philanthropic investments help sustain critical community programs and services, ensuring long-term impact.
OPPORTUNITIES
1 67% lower turnover rates among Millennials who are employed at companies with CSR programs.
WORKPLACE CAMPAIGNS
Engage your employees in giving back through a United Way Workplace Campaign. Campaigns foster a culture of philanthropy by providing your employees with an easy way to contribute through payroll deductions, volunteer opportunities, and community engagement activities.
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UNDERWRITING
Underwriting allows businesses to directly fund specific programs, services, or operational costs. This strategic investment ensures sustained impact in areas that align with corporate social responsibility goals while enhancing the overall effectiveness of community-driven solutions.
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GRANTS
Businesses can invest in community impact by funding specific initiatives through corporate or foundation grants. These investments enable targeted support for key impact areas, such as Youth Opportunity and Community Resiliency.
92% of employees who volunteer through work report improved physical and emotional well-being. of employees say CSR activities made them feel more committed during times of organizational change or uncertainty. 60%
THE POWER OF COLLABORATION
REAL IMPACT, REAL VOICES
Bradley Hines, Senior VP, First Citizens Bank: “United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County assists us in linking resources, both volunteer and financial, to real needs within our community. The United Way staff are plugged into the broad range of health and human service needs throughout our area. I recently reached out for assistance in coordinating a service learning experience for team members traveling to Asheville from multiple states who had a strong desire to roll up their sleeves in support of our area, post-Hurricane Helene. United Way staff were readily able to help me by coordinating an experience for our associates that helped everyone connect to our area and each other in a meaningful way!”
Neal Hanks, Allen Tate | Beverly-Hanks: “Our organization has participated in annual giving campaigns and Days of Impact events for decades. Our employees relish the opportunity to combine their efforts and resources for the betterment of our communities and United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County provides a cohesive way to do so.”
Anne Carpenter, Community Engagement, HCA | Mission Health: “Mission Health appreciates our century+ partnership with United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County as anchor organizations serving our community. United Way has its finger on the pulse of community need, the people and resources who can help meet those, and the ability to bring us all together for that purpose. To help children and youth thrive, and to harness the resilience we need to recover from pandemics, natural disasters and other challenges. Mission Health considers United Way our friend and allies in meaningful work.” 120 Local businesses engaged annually
2.7 MILLION Dollars raised by corporate partners TOP 3 LEADING CAMPAIGNS 1. Southeastern Container 2. Publix Supermarkets 3. Eaton Corporation
WE’RE THE WAY CHANGE IS MADE
When businesses and United Way work together, the impact reaches both the community and the workplace. More and more, employees and customers want to see organizations taking an active role in building stronger communities. Corporate Social Responsibility isn’t just about giving back — it’s about strengthening your brand, building trust, and creating a workplace where people want to stay and grow.
Volunteer opportunities and community partnerships are powerful tools for employee engagement. They give teams a shared sense of purpose, boost morale, and help attract and keep top talent in a competitive job market. When employees are proud of the company they work for, it shows — in performance, loyalty, and innovation.
Through workplace campaigns, corporate giving, sponsorships, grants, and participation in Business United, you can connect your company’s goals with meaningful community impact. Together, we can support families as they continue to recover from Helene, co-create a strong and resilient community, and provide the opportunities needed for the next generation to thrive, all while highlighting your business as a trusted leader invested in both people and progress.
JOIN US
A UNITED AND RESILIENT COMMUNITY WHERE EVERYONE BELONGS AND EVERYONE THRIVES
