At United Way of Frederick County, we unite people and resources to improve lives and strengthen our community. We focus on removing barriers and creating opportunities in the areas of financial stability, youth opportunity, healthy communities, and community resiliency. By working collaboratively with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, local businesses, and individuals, we address the root causes of Frederick County’s most pressing challenges for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households. From improving access to homeownership and reliable transportation to supporting education and health initiatives, we act as a connector and catalyst for positive change. Together, we’re building a community where everyone has the chance to thrive.
A conversation with Erin Lawson,
Tell us your origin story!
United Way of Frederick County has been a part of this community since 1938, when local leaders came together with a simple but powerful idea: that we can accomplish more by working together than by working alone. Originally founded as the Community Chest, our organization began as a way to coordinate fundraising efforts for local charities during times of economic hardship. Over the years, as the needs of Frederick County evolved, so did we.
In 1972, we became officially recognized as United Way of Frederick County, joining a global network of United Ways while remaining deeply rooted in the unique challenges and strengths of our local community. Our mission expanded from simply raising funds to actively identifying community needs, creating partnerships, and developing innovative solutions that go beyond short-term fixes.
Today, we continue to build on that legacy—mobilizing people and resources to drive long-lasting, measurable change in the areas that matter most to the residents of Frederick County. Through collaboration, compassion, and a deep commitment to equity, we’re proud to carry forward the work that began more than 85 years ago.
What do you like most about being an organization located in Frederick County?
What we love most is the strong spirit of collaboration and generosity that runs through every part of our community. Whether it’s individuals stepping up to support a neighbor in need, nonprofits working together on innovative solutions, or local businesses and government leaders coming to the table to create lasting impact, Frederick County is a place where people genuinely care.
What makes United Way unique?
United Way of Frederick County is more than just a fundraiser. We’re also a community connector, problem-solver, and advocate for long-term change. What sets us apart is our ability to bring together diverse partners across sectors to tackle complex issues like housing and transportation.
We don’t just respond to immediate needs—we work to address root causes through data-driven strategies, innovative programs, and community-led solutions. Our ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report helps shine a light on the challenges faced by hardworking individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet, even though they earn above the federal poverty level.
By combining research, collaboration, and direct impact, we uniquely position ourselves to not only fund solutions, but to lead them—ensuring that every dollar and every partnership moves the needle on what matters most to Frederick County.
What do you wish people knew about United Way?
More than anything, we want people to know that we are deeply invested in creating opportunities for every person to thrive in our community, especially those who are often overlooked, like our ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) neighbors who work hard but still struggle to afford the basics.
We’re not just a fundraising organization. We are strategic, collaborative, and community-led. We listen. We use data to drive decisions. And we bring together the right people and resources to solve some of Frederick County’s toughest challenges—whether that means improving access to affordable housing, building financial resilience, supporting youth success, or expanding access to health and transportation.
We wish more people knew that when you support United Way, you’re investing in the entire community, with a focus on long-term impact and measurable results.
How can the community support you?
One of the most impactful ways the community can support United Way of Frederick County right now is by getting involved with our Stuff the Bus school supply drive. Each year, this initiative ensures that students in struggling families across Frederick County start the school year with the tools they need to succeed.
You can help by:
– Donating school supplies like backpacks, composition notebooks, binders, markers, earbuds, and other new, unused supplies. A full list of public drop-off locations is available on our website.
– Volunteering to sort and distribute supplies to local schools and nonprofit partners on August 4th or 5th.
– Making a financial contribution so we can purchase high-need items in bulk.
Every donation, whether it’s a box of crayons or a few hours of your time, makes a difference.
What do you do best?
One of our greatest strengths lies in our ability to rally the community around shared challenges and lead collaborative, data-informed efforts that produce real results.
A prime example of this is our ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report, which has become a cornerstone of our work and a trusted resource across the county. The data from the ALICE Report doesn’t just inform our programs; it’s been adopted as a key performance indicator (KPI) by local government officials, used by local businesses to set more equitable wages, and embraced by nonprofits as a benchmark for determining program eligibility. It’s a tool that helps the entire community better understand and respond to the struggles of working households who earn above the poverty level but still can’t afford basic needs.
Because of this work, we’re not just responding to issues, but shaping the systems that address them. Whether it’s helping students start strong through Stuff the Bus, increasing financial resilience through our Prosperity Center programs, or expanding access to reliable transportation through the Ride United Network, our impact goes beyond one-time help. We focus on strategic, community-driven solutions that make Frederick County stronger for everyone.
Is there anything else exciting that you want our Chamber membership to know about?
Yes! We’re thrilled to announce that United Way of Frederick County will be celebrating some of our most dedicated volunteers, supporters, and advocates at this year’s BRAVO! Awards, taking place on June 25th at the Delaplaine Arts Center. This annual event shines a spotlight on the individuals and organizations who go above and beyond to drive impact and uplift our community.
It’s one of our favorite nights of the year—full of inspiration, connection, and well-deserved recognition. If you’d like to attend and join us in celebrating the heart of what makes our work possible, you can RSVP on our website:
👉 www.unitedwayfrederick.org/bravo-awards-1
We’d love to see our fellow Chamber members there!
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.