Young Philanthropists Society

Create Your Legacy

United Way of Central Alabama’s (UWCA’s) Young Philanthropists Society (YPS) is a group of young professionals who live and work in Central Alabama and are creating their legacy through United Way with an annual gift of $1,000 of more. If you are looking for a way to get involved in our community, consider joining YPS.

All YPS members receive:

  • Opportunities to learn more about community needs and the work being done through lunchtime tours of partner agencies and chances to hear from experts in the field.
  • Chances to roll up your sleeves and take part in hands-on volunteer projects throughout the year.
  • Invitations to network with like-minded peers as well as corporate and community leadership.
  • Company and community recognition through your employer’s United Way campaign.

 

550+

Members

YPS has more than 550 current members

$1.4M

Raised

Society Members have contributed more than $1.4 million

2023 Young Philanthropists Society Chairs

Lee Sims, Co-ChairRSM

Stephanie Smith, Co-ChairRegions

Holly Lowe, New Member Chair Brasfield & Gorrie

Cortez Bennett, Events ChairRegions

LEARN MORE ABOUT JOINING THE YOUNG PHILANTHROPISTS SOCIETY

  • What is YPS?

    The Young Philanthropists Society (YPS) recognizes young leaders who give $1,000 or more to United Way. Members channel their talents and passion to advance the common good while expanding their social and professional networks.

  • Why United Way?

    Never in our lifetime have we had such a significant opportunity to support our community and neighbors. A global pandemic and the record unemployment it has caused have defined 2020. Many people who ordinarily do not need United Way’s help suddenly do.

    Helping people during times of hardship is what United Way was built to do. Our infrastructure enabled us to immediately be on the front lines of the crisis providing relief and access to services—stocking food pantries, delivering Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors, helping families through our 2-1-1 call center and supporting newly unemployed citizens.

    Accountability. Our United Way has one of the lowest administrative costs of any charitable organization, allowing 92 cents of every dollar to go directly to helping people, while keeping every dollar we raise (over $38.2M in 2019) here in Central Alabama. UWCA’s volunteers constantly evaluate our partner agencies who receive annual support to be sure our money is well and wisely spent. Review our Charity Navigator page.

Young Philanthropists Society Staff

Jacob Gordon, Director of Individual Gifts at United Way of Central Alabama, posing for a photo outdoors in a blue suit

Jacob Gordon

Director of Individual Gifts

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Kristen Moran

Individual Giving Officer

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YPS Spotlight

YPS MEMBERS GET A LESSON ON HOW TO BECOME CEOS

YPS members gain valuable insight from nonprofit leaders in “How to Become a CEO” lunch and learn.

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Other Ways to Get Involved

Women United

A group of women committed to supporting UWCA through philanthropy, leadership, and volunteerism.

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J. Mason Davis Leadership Society

J. Mason Davis Leadership Society brings together African American changemakers through a shared affinity for philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy.

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Tocqueville Society

Our Tocqueville Society is one of the top 5 in the country and is the fastest growing segment of our campaign, with members giving $10,000 or more.

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