March 10, 2023
"To increase the organized capacity of people to help others."
News & Resources
See 70-plus years of Living United in Catawba County
From polio to poverty to war and through recession, citizens of Catawba County have known their share of crisis. 
No matter the issue though, for more than seven decades there has been a source of hope for those in need, the Catawba County United Way (CCUW). 
In 1944, the spark of the CCUW began as the Hickory Community Chest and War Fund. The first programs the agency supported were The Salvation Army, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Public Playgrounds, the Civilian Defense Fund and Catawba County Health Camp.
Then, in 1954, the name would change to Greater Hickory United Fund and in 1958 the Eastern Catawba County United Fund would be created.
In 1985, the two agencies merged into today’s Catawba County United Way.
The CCUW eventually evolved to focus on three community impact areas: Health, Education and Income which led to partnerships with dozens of local non-profit and not-for-profit agencies.
Learn more at THIS LINK.
Small Businesses Love Big focused on supporting non-profits
With more than 20 businesses signed up, the Catawba County United Way's Small Businesses Love Big initiative is getting closer to its first grant cycle.
This is an opportunity for small companies in Catawba County (50 employees or less) to invest back into their communities by supporting local non-profit programs.
“We know that our small businesses understand and see the needs in our community from a unique perspective and giving them the opportunity to invest in their community not only makes sense but honors the contributions of both small business and non-profits,” CCUW Executive Director Mark Bumgarner.
Each participating company contributes $365 a year, which will be used to fund a second Catawba County United Way allocation process focused on local small and start-up non-profits. 
Representatives of the businesses will meet to review the grant applications and decide what programs to fund.
For more information about Small Businesses Love Big call the United Way at 828-327-6851 or visit THIS LINK.
What's happening - news and updates from local non-profits
We've all heard the phrase - "It takes a village," and in the non-profit world it's true. The Catawba County United Way enjoys building relationships with its community partners and sees how much greater our impact is because of our collective efforts every day.
Below are some upcoming programs and events from just a few of those partners...please share, and if you're interested, the Catawba County Interagency Council meets the second Thursday every month at the United Way office - 2760 Tate Blvd SE in Hickory.
Call 828-327-6851 for more information.
How can NC 211 help you?
Caroline called NC 211 the next day, and the Community Resource Specialist provided referrals for several local utility assistance programs that may be able to help Caroline catch up on unpaid bills.
NC 211 is the health and human services information line provided by United Way of North Carolina. Catawba County United Way is one of several community partners who help fund this program.
Since 1944, the Catawba County United Way has been dedicated to increasing the capacity of people to help others. To learn more about the CCUW's mission contact us at 828-327-6851 or visit ccunitedway.com.

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