Mission & Vision
United Way of the Black Hills’ mission is to 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.
Vision Statement
United Way of the Black Hills will be champions of our community, empowering individuals and improving lives, while striving to facilitate lasting, positive change.
Our Commitment to Transparency
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is United Way of the Black Hills (UWBH)?
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.
How is UWBH creating sustainable change?
We create lasting change by investing in long-lasting solutions in the areas of education, financial stability and health. Each year, we invest over $1.2 million in programs and nonprofit organizations that are addressing these needs in the Black Hills. We strongly believe that collaborating with many local partners and organizations can affect change on a larger scale than any single organization can do alone. We encourage you to view our 2022 annual report to learn more about the impact of our work in the Black Hills community.
How does UWBH decide which agencies get funding?
Funding is allocated by the UWBH Board of Directors and local cabinet representatives. They review all of the grant applications, tour the programs, and assess their impact. Volunteers analyze the agencies and make informed funding decisions based on their community’s needs.
What is included in the overhead/administrative rate?
- Staffing: Executive Director, Finance Director, Development Director, Marketing Manager, Data Specialist, Campaign Assistant, and an Administrative Assistant. There is also a director of our Black Hills Reads Initiative, who is 100% grant funded.
- Materials designed and printed to raise $2 million each year and connect with 4,000+ donors and 300+ volunteers.
- Organizing the allocations process to fund over 100 nonprofit agencies and programs through our programs and initiatives.
- Managing the Imagination Library program which distributes over 60,000 books to 5,000+ children.
Why should I give to UWBH instead of directly to a nonprofit agency?
One individual or organization can’t solve our communities complex issues alone, especially in these uncertain economic times. That’s why UWBH is so important. Working together, we are providing individuals and families with a better life while also working towards long-lasting social changes by improving systems to help us all. In addition, 100% of donations stay local.
How do I know my donation is being invested wisely?
We value transparency and know our donors trust us to utilize their donations efficiently and effectively. We pride ourselves in our efforts to remain accountable to the dollars we receive, and investing them back into the community. We are pleased to report that we have been awarded the highest possible rating by Charity Navigator for the 2019 and 2020 year. Charity Navigator evaluates charities on their financial health, accountability and transparency. View our Charity Navigator profile
What communities does UWBH serve?
We serve the communities in the Black Hills, including outlying areas, as outlined below:
