#MergerMondays: United Way
United Way has long been a trusted force for good—meeting communities where they are and growing alongside them. This week, two new partnerships show just how deeply that commitment runs. Though different in structure and scope, both mergers highlight United Way’s dedication to collaboration, local leadership, and creating lasting impact in the places that matter most.
In Pennsylvania, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is joining forces with the Lehigh Valley Justice Institute (LVJI), a data-driven nonprofit focused on criminal justice reform. The merger transforms LVJI into an in-house research and policy arm of United Way, allowing its work to inform and strengthen existing community programming in education, housing, and health. This union isn’t just strategic—it’s values-driven. It frees LVJI from administrative burdens while amplifying its influence, and it even includes a clause allowing the organization to reestablish itself independently in the future if needed. It’s a flexible, forward-thinking approach that centers both sustainability and mission.
Meanwhile in Connecticut, two local United Way chapters—Central & Northeastern Connecticut and West Central Connecticut—have officially united to form the United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut. This merger, effective July 1, 2023 but announced publicly just last week, brings services to 27 towns and over a quarter of the state’s population. It keeps staff in place across regional offices while introducing five community councils and an ALICE advisory board to ensure decisions remain deeply rooted in local perspectives. The result is a larger, more efficient organization that doesn’t lose sight of the individuals and families it exists to serve.
Together, these two mergers illustrate United Way’s ability to lead with purpose and adapt with care. Whether integrating research to sharpen impact or combining regional strength for broader reach, United Way is modeling what it means to build smarter, more human-centered systems. These structural changes reflect thoughtful investments in how we listen, collaborate, and build lasting solutions with our communities.
Read more here:
https://hartfordbusiness.com/article/in-nonprofit-merger-two-ct-united-ways-join-forces/
