Cheers to 35 years!
United Way NEXT kicked off our 35th Anniversary Celebration on March 19th, 2025! We are incredibly proud to commemorate such a special occasion & we hope you'll join us for a year of festivities 💙
United Way NEXT Milestones
1989 - Idea for UWRA socialized by Gordon Berg & Chuck Devine
1990 - UWRA incorporated governance structure established; first newsletter
1991 - Beginning application of members’ support to local UWs
1996 - Institution of “Wildacres” as annual UWRA gathering
2000 - Launch of UWRA.org website
2001 - Mentoring, planned giving consults, & crisis advisory services offered
2002 - UWRA members serve in interim positions in UW organizations
2005 - Nationwide kickoff of UWRA endowment fund in honor of Gordon Berg
2007 - Initiation of retirement planning program
2009 - Online mentoring program with United Way Worldwide
2011 - Webinar series: Planning for Retirement
2014 - 1:1 coaching with UWs on planned giving growth & endowments
2016 - Role-play video series: Asking for Gifts
2018 - Launch of online platform for UW history & member engagement
2019 - Grant-funded landscape review of aging in place practices & programs
2022 - UWRA rebranded to United Way NEXT to be inclusive of our broad & diverse membership
2023 - Energized Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Programming
2024 - Promoted Third Sector’s Interim Executive Leadership Training
2025 - UW NEXT expands team & celebrates 35th anniversary
Letter from the President & CEO, Carole Peters
What if we could create a future where every United Way professional—past, present, and future—feels supported, connected, and empowered to drive meaningful change in their communities? That vision has been the driving force behind United Way NEXT, an organization dedicated to fostering lifelong connections, sharing knowledge, and preparing for what comes NEXT.
From the beginning, United Way NEXT has been rooted in collaboration and innovation. Whether you are actively working within United Way, transitioning to a new role, launching your own venture, or enjoying retirement, our network is here for you. This is more than a professional organization—it’s a community where shared experiences, best practices, and relationships continue long after your time at United Way. Because at United Way NEXT, we are all about Making Connections & Making a Difference.
For the past 35 years, United Way NEXT has continuously evolved to meet the needs of our members. From launching our first newsletter in 1990 to expanding our mentorship, leadership, and planned giving programs, we have been at the forefront of supporting United Way professionals through every stage of their careers. Our transformation in 2022 to United Way NEXT further reinforced our commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that every member—regardless of where their path leads—has a place in this community.
Some of our recent highlights include:
Mentorship & Leadership Support: Matching 39 Planned Giving & Staff Mentors with local United Way professionals and placing five Interim Executives to provide leadership continuity.
Professional Development & Career Transitions: Hosting 40 learning sessions with 1,306 attendees and supporting 40 members through career transitions.
Stronger Peer Networks: Expanding opportunities for professionals to engage, collaborate, and continue making an impact beyond their time at United Way.
This year, as we celebrate United Way NEXT’s 35th Anniversary, we invite you to be part of this milestone in a meaningful way. Your participation and support ensure that we can continue strengthening this network for years to come.
Here’s how you can get involved:
Join our growing network to stay engaged with a community that values lifelong connections and shared knowledge.
Register for our 35th Anniversary events to connect with fellow members, celebrate our journey, and look ahead to what’s NEXT.
Share your fond memories on social media making sure to tag us on Instagram & LinkedIn while using the hashtag #UWNext35.
Consider making an additional gift in honor of our anniversary—whether it’s a second donation this year or a contribution to our endowment fund, your support helps sustain the impact of UW NEXT for future generations.
As we look forward to the NEXT chapter, we remain committed to empowering, connecting, and supporting United Way professionals across all stages of their journey. Thank you for being part of this incredible community. Your dedication and passion make all the difference, and I look forward to celebrating this milestone together.
Sincerely,
Carole Peters
President & CEO, United Way NEXT
How You Can Help Us Celebrate Our 35th Anniversary
Special thanks to each of the incredible members that make up United Way NEXT. We are proud to celebrate 35 years of building a diverse and inclusive community of passionate United Way professionals and alumni who share a profound sense of purpose and belonging. In the spirit of United Way, we'd love for you to take part in this milestone anniversary with us!
How You Can Join Us:
Encourage fellow United Way professionals and alumni to join our growing membership base!
Update your virtual meeting background to include our 35th anniversary logo!
Make an appearance at our upcoming events, especially our social hours, and invite your United Way friends & colleagues!
Upload a temporary profile photo on LinkedIn celebrating our 35th anniversary and sharing your involvement with UW NEXT.
Consider joining the United Way NEXT Leadership Giving Circle for as little as $100 a year!
Dedicate a special tribute donation in honor of the individual(s) that made you feel like you belong in the UW family.
Provide UW NEXT with long-term growth and stability by supporting our endowment. We’re trying to hit $350,000 this year!
Thank you in advance for however you choose to show your support this year!