who we are

our purpose

United Way of the Ozarks unites people, resources and ideas to enhance lives in the Ozarks.

our values

Our values guide our decisions. We strive to serve the Ozarks with compassion, letting our values motivate everything we do.

accountability

We operate with integrity and transparency and are responsible for our performance, behaviors, and words.

Collaboration

Recognizing we are better together, we work in partnership with others to develop and implement community solutions.

impact

We work to effect positive change and deliver results. We encourage new, innovative methods to solve community challenges and exceed expectations.

inclusivity

We embrace differences, recognize that we can learn from each other, and foster a sense of belonging. We work for equal access and opportunities for all.

Inclusivity

United Way of the Ozarks values the visible and invisible qualities that make you who you are. We recognize those qualities that make us different. We also recognize the quality we all share: Our humanity.

We unequivocally denounce discrimination of any kind because it undermines the well-being and vitality of our community. We believe that each United Way community member, donor, volunteer, advocate and employee must have equal access to solving community problems.

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OUR HISTORY

The Community Chest was designed to eliminate duplication of effort for Springfield charitable organizations. J. M. Quinn was elected the first board chairman of the Community Chest. Seventeen local organizations found support through the Community Chest, including, the Salvation Army, YMCA, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and the Red Cross.

A unique partnership formed in 1994 between the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Ozarks. The board of directors of both organizations agreed to support a combined capital campaign which would provide the first building owned by United Way and enable the Chamber of Commerce to build a new building.

The campaign was a success, and a new structure named the “John Q. Hammons Enterprise Center” was built for the Chamber of Commerce. The previous chamber building was titled to United Way debt free, including furniture and fixtures.

When COVID-19 reached the Ozarks in March 2020, we knew that our local nonprofits would be needed more than ever before. With the demand for services increasing and fundraising efforts decreasing because of safety precautions, United Way of the Ozarks dropped everything to connect with our donors and the community at large to help us keep nonprofit operations running safely.

Our COVID response included collaborating with other philanthropic leaders; uniting the faith community; distributing masks, hand sanitizer and other essential materials; and distributing over $185,000 in relief funding to our partner non-profits.

OUR FINANCIALS

Our Board of Directors oversees the management of United Way of the Ozarks. Our Board and Finance Committee, comprised of volunteers, review and approve our annual budget and financial statements, which include campaign fundraising results, community investment allocations and operating expenses. Our financial statements are audited annually by a nationally recognized accounting firm, which certifies that its financial statements are in full compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

View auditor's reports & Form 990s

Recent Blog Posts

Aug. 30, 2024

UWO 2023-24 Pillar Award winners are inspirations for community leadership, innovation and advocacy

Jul. 23, 2024

Community Leaders Helm United Way of the Ozarks 2024-25 Community Campaign Cabinet

Featured image for “United Way of the Ozarks provides new two-year funding for 20 programs that champion children and provide pathways out of poverty”

Jul. 01, 2024

United Way of the Ozarks provides new two-year funding for 20 programs that champion children and provide pathways out of poverty

Jun. 24, 2024

Jeff Frederick, Drury University president, joins United Way of the Ozarks board of directors

Jun. 20, 2024