At United Way of Frederick County, we bring people, resources, and organizations together to address our community’s most pressing needs. Through partnerships with local nonprofits, businesses, government leaders, and volunteers, we work to create lasting change in the areas of health, education, financial stability, and community resiliency.
Rather than focusing on one single issue, we serve as a connector and collaborator — identifying gaps, building solutions, and investing in programs that help individuals and families thrive. From initiatives like Stuff the Bus and Ride United Network to volunteer engagement and community impact programs, our work is rooted in improving quality of life for every person in Frederick County, especially ALICE families.
We believe strong communities are built when people come together, and we are proud to mobilize donors, advocates, and volunteers to create meaningful impact across Frederick County every day.
A conversation with Erin Lawson, Director of Resource Development & Marketing
Tell us your business origin story!
United Way of Frederick County began in 1938 as the Frederick Community Chest, created to bring the community together in support of local families and nonprofits. What started as a collective fundraising effort has continued to evolve over the decades to meet the changing needs of Frederick County.
As our community has grown, so has our work. Today, United Way of Frederick County goes beyond traditional fundraising by providing Pathways to Financial Stability for ALICE households with programs including matched savings to purchase a first home or vehicle, budget coaching, free rides to critical needs, free income tax prep, and more.
While our programs and initiatives have evolved over the years, our mission has remained the same: mobilizing the caring power of our community to improve lives and create a stronger Frederick County for everyone.
What do you like most about being located in Frederick County?
What we value most about being located in Frederick County is the generosity and heart of our neighbors. This is a community where people genuinely show up for one another, whether that’s through volunteering, donating, or simply stepping in to help when there’s a need.
That spirit of care and connection is what makes our work possible. Every initiative we lead is strengthened by local businesses, residents, and partners who are willing to give their time, talent, and resources to support others. It’s that shared commitment to taking care of one another that makes Frederick County such a special place to live and work.
What makes United Way of Frederick County unique?
What makes United Way of Frederick County unique is our role as a connector and convener for the entire community. Rather than focusing on a single cause or operating one standalone program, we bring together businesses, nonprofits, government partners, and individuals to collaborate on solutions that strengthen Frederick County as a whole.
At our core, we don’t do this work alone. We exist to unite the community around shared priorities like health, education, financial stability, and resiliency, creating lasting change for ALICE individuals and families together.
What do you wish people knew about United Way of Frederick County?
We want people to know that United Way of Frederick County is ultimately about connection. We bring people together in ways that make generosity more powerful and impact more sustainable. Instead of working in isolation, we help ensure the community is aligned, informed, and working toward shared solutions that improve lives across Frederick County.
How can the community support you?
Right now, the best way to support United Way is through our Stuff the Bus campaign, designed to ensure students across Frederick County start the school year with the supplies they need to learn and succeed.
Community members, businesses, and organizations can support the campaign by donating school supplies, hosting collection bins at their workplace or storefront, volunteering, or helping spread the word.
Every backpack, notebook, and pack of pencils collected helps remove barriers for local ALICE students and eases the financial burden on families. It’s a simple but powerful way for the community to come together and invest directly in the success of local children.
What do you do best?
At United Way of Frederick County, what we do best is bring people together to turn community generosity into meaningful, coordinated impact.
Whether it’s mobilizing volunteers, coordinating large-scale initiatives like Stuff the Bus, or investing in programs that strengthen health, education, and financial stability, our strength is in collaboration.
We help make it easier for people who care to create real, lasting change in Frederick County.
Is there anything else you want the Chamber membership to know about?
Yes! We are currently recruiting volunteers for our Stuff the Bus campaign. We’re looking for individuals, teams, and businesses who want to get involved in the collection, sorting, and prepping of supplies for distribution to local students.
This is a great way for companies to engage employees in hands-on community impact and for individuals to directly support students across Frederick County as they prepare for a successful school year. More details on shifts and sign-ups are available now, and we’d love for Chamber members to join us in making this year’s campaign our most impactful yet.
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.