About Us

Our Mission

We unite people and resources to improve lives in the Black Hills by delivering measurable long-term solutions to community issues in education, financial stability and health. 

Our Vision

We will be champions of our community, empowering individuals and improving lives, while striving to facilitate lasting, positive change. 

But what exactly does all this mean when asked, 'what do we do?'

We bring together donors, volunteers, advocates, nonprofits, leaders, and more
tackle the Black Hills Regions'  top 7 most pressing needs in the Black Hills which include:
Mental Health Access and Affordability, Substance Abuse Resources, Birth to 5 child care services,
Food Security, Home & Family Life Services and Resources, Affordable Housing, and Economic Opportunities.

 

Unite

UNITE

We bring together community stakeholders like our donors, volunteers, businesses, nonprofits, faith-based, community leaders, government, experts, and those in need to identify challenges in our top #7 priority areas. 

Collaborate

UNITE

After we UNITE our community stakeholders, we begin the collaboration phase by addressing existing gaps in services and resources in each of these areas, and strategize the most effective way to address these issues for a sustainable outcome for our community. 

Target

TARGET

Once we develop our STRATEGIES, it's time to TARGET these issues. With the help of our donor dollars, volunteers, advocates, we are able to fund organizations that are addressing these areas of need, and also allow new grant opportunities targeted towards addressing these existing gaps. 

Measure

TARGET

We will regularly MEASURE the success of programs and efforts through various metrics and indicators and ensure investments are making sustainable change in the future of our communities. 

Our Commitment to Transparency

Charity Navigator

United Way of the Black Hills strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator.   

Since 2002, using objective analysis, Charity Navigator has awarded only the most fiscally responsible organizations a 4-star rating. In 2011, Charity Navigator added 17 metrics, focused on governance and ethical practices as well as measures of openness, to its ratings methodology.  These Accountability & Transparency metrics, which account for 50 percent of a charity’s overall rating, reveal which charities operate in accordance with industry best practices  and whether they are open with their donors and stakeholders.  

UWBH's exceptional 4-star rating sets it apart from its peers and demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public,” according to Michael Thatcher, President & CEO of Charity Navigator. “Only a quarter of charities rated by Charity Navigator receive the distinction of our 4-star rating. This adds UWBH's to a preeminent group of charities working to overcome our world’s most pressing challenges. Based on its 4-star rating, people can trust that their donations are going to a financially responsible and ethical charity when they decide to support United Way of the Black Hills.” 

UWBH's rating and other information about charitable giving are available free of charge on www.charitynavigator.org.   More-detailed information about UWBH’s rating is available to Charity Navigator site visitors who become registered users, another free service.