VFN is excited to welcome new to the membership in 2026, the United Way of Virginia. The United Way of Virginia leverages the collective power and resources of 17 Virginia United Way networks and hundreds of localized programs to improve the lives of low-income individuals across the Commonwealth. Here is a little more from Sarah Walsh, Executive Director:
As a new Partner Member, what are you looking forward to the most? What should other VFN members know about you and/or your organization?
United Way of Virginia is most looking forward to partnering with fellow members of the Virginia Funders Network to explored opportunities to align investments, share data, and scale solutions that improve financial security, youth opportunity, and community resilience across the Commonwealth. As a relatively new state organization, we have a lot to learn from other more established members.
Despite our ‘newness,’ United Way of Virginia brings a powerful statewide network of local United Ways, deep community relationships, ALICE research insights, and proven capacity to convene cross-sector partners to turn collaborative strategies into measurable impact for Virginia families.
Tell us about a project or an area of work you’re most excited about.
United Way of Virginia is especially excited about advancing the Virginia ALICE data project, which brings critical visibility to Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed households—working individuals and families who earn above the Federal Poverty Level yet still cannot afford basic essentials like housing, childcare, food, healthcare, and technology. Representing more than one-third of Virginia households, ALICE is the backbone of the workforce and present in every community, industry, and demographic. By continuing to expand the Virginia ALICE Report and its suite of data tools, United Way of Virginia is eager to ensure that policymakers, funders, businesses, and nonprofits have a clearer, more accurate picture of financial hardship and the systemic barriers that keep families from achieving stability.
Building on a collaborative effort led by 17 local United Ways, the organization is also looking forward to using ALICE data to drive smarter decisions, strengthen advocacy, and foster cross-sector partnerships that create lasting change. From informing program design and grantmaking to engaging corporate partners who recognize ALICE as both their workforce and customer base, the project provides a powerful framework for collective action. United Way of Virginia is energized by the opportunity to unite partners across sectors around this shared data to improve economic mobility, support working families, and build stronger, more resilient communities throughout the Commonwealth.
Share a recent story of “success” or positive progress within your organization.
We are very excited that United Way of Virginia was selected to host an AmeriCorps VISTA position this year. The position has expanded the capacity of the United Way of Virginia team and brought expertise and experience with data story telling to create hands-on ALICE Simulation tools and activities for our network of local United Ways to use to engage their own stakeholders, to build awareness of ALICE individuals and households in their own communities. This has been a successful undertaking as we are able to build the capacity and reach of each local United Way in telling the story of hard-working individuals and families, shining a light on their challenges, and bringing different sectors together to create a better pathway towards financial stability for all Virginians!
Describe your philanthropic philosophy and how your philosophy shapes your work.
My philanthropic philosophy centers on collaborative, community-driven impact—bringing together partners across sectors to address root causes of hardship and create sustainable solutions for individuals and families. I love data, so its important to me to always be data-informed. But most of all I love the idea of being part of a world where EVERYONE can learn, work and play to their achieve their fullest potential.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently re-reading The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. A memoir of Jeannette’s childhood, with themes of poverty, family trauma, addiction and mental health. I was very fortunate to meet Jeannette (she is a fellow Virginian) a few years ago, and hear first hand how she was able to overcome such a challenging childhood and family dynamics, through education and hard work. She is such a positive person and has such an inspirational story of resilience. I highly recommend this book and the movie based on it.
How have changes over the past few years (e.g. pandemic, social change, new policies) influenced your leadership and/or grantmaking?
We live in truly troubling times – it can be hard to stay positive and focused – but I believe more than ever that kindness and inclusivity are the way to go!