United Way Worldwide Case Study: Driving Network-Wide Transformation & Change Management

Written By 18 Coffees

The Challenge: Modernizing a Global Network for Greater Impact

United Way Worldwide, a leading global nonprofit, embarked on an ambitious multi-year initiative called "Modern United Way." The goal was to transform its vast network of over 1,100 local chapters, significantly boosting donor engagement and enhancing digital communication effectiveness. This complex, network-wide transformation required a strategic partner to facilitate change across diverse local contexts and a large-scale volunteer-driven organization.

Our Solution: Comprehensive Innovation Strategy, Training & Toolkit Development

We partnered with United Way Worldwide to design and implement a tailored innovation strategy and robust change management program. Our multi-faceted approach included developing strategic roadmaps, facilitating multi-day bootcamps for leaders, creating customized toolkits, and coaching local chapters to become catalysts for change. This comprehensive solution empowered the network to embrace new operating models and communication strategies.

Key Services Delivered:

Tangible Impact: Empowering Chapters and Sustaining Transformation

Our collaboration led to the successful rollout of critical transformation initiatives across United Way's extensive network. We developed and facilitated multi-day change management bootcamps for over 100 participants at UWW headquarters, training and engaging individual chapters across the U.S. Customized toolkits, featuring resources on vision casting, prioritization, communication, and leadership, empowered local United Ways to drive change effectively. Additionally, an innovation pilot with 12 local chapters generated proven concepts for the broader network, with positive feedback on the initiative's impact shared directly from UWW's global leadership team.

"The team seamlessly integrated into our teams, understanding that the key to helping us innovate was speaking our language and understanding our culture. We love their approach to change management—it got our people excited about the future.” — Amy Dinofrio, VP of People Strategies, Talent & Board Engagement, United Way Worldwide

Project Details:

Project Length: Multi-year program (24+ months)
Client Location: Washington D.C. (Global Headquarters) and virtual
Industry: Nonprofit / Philanthropy
Client Type: Large Global Enterprise (1,100+ chapters)

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