circle of hands

United Way of Cleveland County

Community Caring and Sharing

Give Today

How can I help?

Join the Week of Giving, Service & Prayer — and make a lasting impact right here in Cleveland County.

As part of Gardner-Webb’s Week of Giving, Service & Prayer, we’re inviting all employees to invest in the community through our annual United Way campaign. When you give to the United Way of Cleveland County Community Impact Fund, you’re supporting vital programs that improve the lives of our friends, neighbors, and co-workers — providing food, shelter, elder care, youth mentoring, abuse prevention, education, and emergency services.

Your participation not only strengthens our community — it reflects the heart of who we are as a University committed to faith, service, and compassion in action.

This year, our goal is 50% participation.

A Friendly Competition with Purpose

The United Way campaign continues our friendly team-based challenge — and every gift counts!

The campus is divided into 10 teams, each working toward our shared goal of 50% faculty and staff participation. Every contribution helps strengthen our community and reflects the heart of Gardner-Webb’s mission.

You can make your pledge or donation quickly and easily through our online giving form.

There’s still time to join in and make a difference during this special Week of Giving, Service & Prayer.

Let’s show what it means to be Grounded in Service and Growing in Purpose.

Sko Dawgs!

  • CoHS – Faculty and Staff that report to Interim Dean Dr. Tracy Arnold
  • CoAS – Faculty and Staff that report to Dean Dr. Robert Prickett
  • GCOB – Faculty and Staff that report to Dean Dr. Mischia Taylor
  • SOD – Faculty and Staff that report to Dean Canoy
  • CoEd – Faculty and Staff that report to Dean Bull
  • Athletics – All staff that report to Brendan Fahey
  • Operational Staff – All staff that report to David Wacaster, Thomas Welch, Karen Bruce, or Theandra Thompson
  • Institutional Staff and Enrollment – All staff that report to Interim President Nate Evans, Dr. Jeff Tubbs, or Lauren Gullett
  • Academic Staff – All staff that report to Interim Provost Dr. Nicole Waters
  • Student Life – All staff that report to Dean Lesley Villarose or Dr. Josh Parrott

What does the United Way do?

What they do can be simplified into three basic categories:

The United Way of Cleveland County raises money through their annual campaign with individuals and businesses throughout the county.  Donations come from industries, educational systems, corporate gifts, and individual philanthropy.

In fiscal year 2024 the United Way of Cleveland County raised $1,301,558.

The United Way of Cleveland County utilizes a systematic evaluation and review process to assure that the money raised is making a difference in our community.  Each agency that receives funding from the United Way must meet strict financial reporting guidelines and present their outcomes annually to UW staff and volunteers.

In fiscal year 2024, the United Way of Cleveland County continued its commitment to improving lives across our community by awarding funding to local agencies and programs that provide essential health and human services. Every dollar raised helps support some of the most vulnerable individuals in Cleveland County, with the vast majority of each contribution going directly to local programs that create lasting impact.

Raised Here, Stays Here.The funds raised through the United Way of Cleveland County are distributed to health and human service agencies which serve our community.

Each United Way agency provides a unique service to Cleveland County.

  • UW01 – Abuse Prevention Council, Inc.
  • UW03 – Alconon, Inc./ Serenity Club
  • UW05 – American Heart Association
  • UW06 – American Red Cross Disaster Relief Services
  • UW33 – Boy Scouts of America, Piedmont Council
  • UW12 – Boys & Girls Club of Cleveland County
  • UW10 – Children’s Homes of Cleveland County
  • UW45 – Cleveland Co. Community Development Corp.
  • UW21- CC Fund for Children and Adults w/ Disabilities
  • UW13 – Cleveland County Council on Aging
  • Cleveland County Rescue Mission
  • UW20 – Washington Outreach Ministry
  • UW42 – Communities in Schools of Cleveland County
  • UW51 – Community Math Academy
  • UW24 – Foster Grandparent Program
  • UW52 – Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland County
  • UW26 – VIA Health Partners Founded as Hospice Cleveland County
  • UW46 – Hearts & Hooves Therapeutic Riding
  • UW44 – Kings Mountain Crisis Ministry
  • UW28 – Life Enrichment of Cleveland County
  • UW30 – Mental Health Association of Cleveland County
  • UW38 – Southmountain Children & Family Services
  • UW02 – The Children’s Advocacy Center
  • UW36 – The Salvation Army

Sign Up and Take Action

Ways to Give

We offer a variety of options to donate to your community, find out which option is best for you.

  1. Automatic payroll deduction – To help United Way agency provide vital health and human care services in my community, I authorize Gardner-Webb to deduct my pledge from my paycheck.
  2. Non-payroll payment – I authorize Gardner-Webb to bill me for amount due.
  3. One-time credit card payment – I authorize Gardner-Webb to charge my credit card for a one time payment amount.

Ready to donate? Make your donation online today.

Note: If you would prefer to use a paper form, you can pickup one at the HR/Payroll Suite in 103 Webb Hall.

Why should I donate through a United Way Campaign?

female students graduating

HELPING STUDENTS MAKE PLANS FOR THE FUTURE.
The United Way supports programs that are preparing our students. Whether it be
by helping them graduate, enter the workforce or enroll in college.

helping the elderly

REACHING OUT TO THE AGING POPULATION.
As the population of older adult’s increase, services for those people should as well. United Way makes sure that the needs of
all demographics of our population are being addressed.

family at home

KEEPING FAMILIES IN THEIR HOMES.
Unstable living conditions lead to unemployable people and can continue the cycle of poverty. United Way programs are working to end that cycle.

access to healthcare

ENSURING EVERYONE HAS ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE.
Physical and Mental Health are both key to a productive society. Our agencies are working to increase access to healthcare and to break the stigma of mental health in Cleveland County.

Questions?

For additional information or questions about the United Way of Cleveland County campaign, contact Josh Parrott.

If you would like to use a paper donation form, rather than submitting it online, visit the HR Office in Webb Hall.

Employees who have previously donated through payroll deductions should refer to their pay stubs for information on the historic amount given.