The Livingston County United Way is a convener and collaborating partner with many nonprofit, for-profit, governmental and faith-based organizations – all working to address the most critical needs of Livingston County residents.
Our Board of Directors, staff and support consist of talented and passionate people who are proud to make a difference by doing work that they love every day.
We work within our strategic plan and look for improvement of our operations. Our Community Investments are subject to rigorous review, outcomes-based measurements, and financial accountability.
The Livingston County United Way was officially incorporated as a United Way on February 4, 1977. Prior to that time, beginning in the early 1950s, each of the county’s six communities had its own Community Chest all doing their own individual fundraising, administration and allocation processes. As the county’s population grew, it was determined that a county-wide structure would better serve local residents’ needs.
Equity is one of the core values of our work. This begins with the people who seek support and services through the many agencies we provide funding all the way to the donors who support our investments in the community. Equity is defined as the fair treatment, access, opportunity and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups.
Livingston County United Way recognizes that structural and systemic racism can impede the advancement of all members of our community. The residents of Livingston County have worked hard to redefine our reputation and create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive to all. This work has included focusing on ending any historical, social and systemic inequities in our community.
We know the success of any community is through the mindful representation of all community members. We will work to provide opportunities to engage, partner and listen to those members from underrepresented populations. We will work intentionally to ensure representation at decision making tables and in community leadership roles. To attain true equity, we must not only work to ensure the advancement of all people, but we must also challenge the systems and barriers that continue to create inequity. LCUW recognizes that we are stronger, more effective and more resilient as a community when we are committed to raising up diversity, equity and inclusion in our mission, values and behaviors.
Approved by the Board: August 25, 2021
Livingston County United Way Diversity Policy Statement
Adopted by the Board: November 16, 2016
Our organizational culture fosters an environment of respect, openness, learning, integrity and honesty. We value people of all backgrounds. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion shall always be evident in our strategic plans, our organizational goals, and our organizational policies and procedures.
We create and implement programs using information and input from the community which we serve. The diversity within our population shall be represented in the information which we seek, tabulate and analyze.
We must be responsive to the needs of all members of our community.