Behind every worthwhile endeavor, there is a circle of leaders. Leadership provides the inspiration and guidance necessary to create solutions and change conditions. Leaders with strength of character and sense of purpose can come together and combine their influence and resources necessary for social innovation.
 
The nonprofit sector depends on community wide leadership. Leadership contributors are the driving force for creating positive lasting change. For almost 80 years, United Way of the Cape Fear Area (UWCFA) has brought leaders together to support our local network of nonprofits. Together, the leadership circle targets investments in the most critical needs. Today, on GivingTuesday, we are asking you to lead the way.
 
GivingTuesday is an entire day dedicated to doing good in communities across the globe. By leading the way, you are helping us to continue doing good right here in our own backyard.
 
Leadership giving represents the largest area of growth for UWCFA. These gifts are combined with workplace campaigns, grants, and corporate gifts to generate a strong return on investment. Leading by example sets the tone for the community to do this together in a united way.
 
This year, for example, the City Council all agreed to 100% participation in the City of Wilmington United Way campaign. Not only does this set the tone with their own workplace campaign, but in the community at large. When leaders of this caliber step up, others will too.
 
UWCFA has several tiers of leadership circles. The Harris Newman level of $1,000 - $4,999 per household, Lawrence Gray Sprunt level at $5,000-$9,999, and Alexis de Tocqueville at $10,000+. This year we are working with an organization that will be contributing $100,000 to create a new giving circle level. Whatever amount works for a family, UWCFA guarantees to combine it with other gifts and deliver a strong return on investment.
 
There are many reasons to give in 2020. First and foremost, there is an influx in need this year that needs a safety net like UWCFA. There are also significant tax advantages in 2020:
 

• New $300 charitable deduction for non-itemizers.
• Bunching contributions and donor-advised funds.
• A double tax break from giving appreciated stock.
• Make a tax-free transfer from your IRA.

As CEO of UWCFA, I would like to thank all our contributors. I would especially like to thank our Leadership Circles. If you have not considered giving to your local United Way, we ask you to join us in helping to create a united community where all people are healthy, safe, and prosperous. If you have the capacity, we invite you to join our Leadership Circle today. Also, if interested, please consider checking with your company/ employer to see if they participate in a corporate match for your charitable contribution.

This GivingTuesday, we are asking you to LIVE UNITED. Your gift has the power to transform our community, and with your support, together, we fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our greater Cape Fear region.

Join in the fight and donate today by visiting the UWCFA website pledge page by clicking here.
 

Tommy Taylor, born in Mansfield, Ohio, achieved his Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Guilford College, and most recently achieved his Masters in Public Administration from UNCW in 2019. Tommy’s career started as a Crisis and College Counselor at Massanutten Military Academy in Woodstock, Virginia. After 4 years, Tommy moved to his favorite vacation spot, Wilmington, North Carolina, and started his new career as the Regional Development Manager for Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC. Six years later, after tripling food distribution and doubling revenues, he accepted the Vice President of Community Impact position at the United Way of the Cape Fear Area. Now serving as the CEO, Tommy is thankful to be able to see the good side of the world that many people do not get a chance to experience and to be able to be part of the solutions to our community's deepest problems.