The United Way of Central Carolinas headquarters will move from its longtime home on Brevard Street in uptown Charlotte to a smaller space a few blocks away later this year.
The United Way sold the Brevard Street building 18 months ago. It has leased space at the Children and Family Services Center on East Fifth Street, which also houses several agencies that receive United Way Funding.
Over the past year, the organization has cut its own budget by $1 million a year, partially through layoffs, as it adjusts to reduced giving by donors.
Meanwhile, two foundations are helping to fill the gap with donations announced Thursday. Former Family Dollar CEO Howard Levine donated $1 million over five years, and The Gambrell Foundation is donating $500,000 over five years.
In a press release, Levine said: "United Way’s collective approach to our community’s complex economic mobility challenges is more important than ever, and I have been inspired and encouraged by the hard work it has undertaken as it plans for the future. I have complete trust that United Way will maximize the impact of this gift and support the individuals and families in our region who need it most.”
The United Way of Central Carolinas provides grants to local educational and social service organizations in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, the Mooresville/Lake Norman area, and Anson, Cabarrus and Union counties.
The Gambrell Foundation grant will go specifically to the organization's United Neighborhoods initiative, which aims to improve economic mobility through neighborhood revitalization.
