Envoy has worked with the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey for the past several years to help modernize its approach and develop and launch new strategic initiatives. United Ways across the country are experience significant changes to their context, as new philanthropic models compete for donor attention and traditional workplace giving declining as a primary revenue stream. The United Way in Greater Philadelphia has taken a proactive approach, maintaining relevance by building and operating targeted initiatives in collaboration with anchor donors and regional partners.  ​

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Envoy has supported this transition by partnering with the leadership team to help design and launch new initiatives. These have included The Promise, a public/private collaboration with the City of Philadelphia to expand benefit enrollment and access to the workforce and Camden Community Uplift, a similarly structured model to align donors on common needs in Camden and design large-scale funding cycles supporting coalitions of community-based partners.  

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In addition to these initiatives, Envoy has supported the United Way through changes to its operating model and helped develop multi-year budgets and forecasts to support long-term planning.  

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Results

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The United Way in Philadelphia has become a leader in innovation across the network. Its initiatives have helped thousands of people in the region access benefits, clear their criminal records, and gain access to family sustaining careers. Despite the decline of its traditional donor base, the United Way has been able to maintain and grow its community giving through creative expansion of initiatives and efficiencies in its operating model. 

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