About the Cape and Islands United Way

The Cape and Islands United Way (CIUW) is the single largest non-governmental funder of human service programs on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. For more than 55 years, CIUW has fostered local communities where children succeed, families are financially stable, residents are healthy, and there is safe and affordable housing for all.

Operating as a locally chartered, independent organization governed by an all-volunteer board of local leaders, CIUW seeks to be more than financial support to the Cape and Islands community through building partnerships, forging consensus, and leveraging resources to make a measurable difference.

With a staff of three and an extensive volunteer base of committed and concerned local residents and business leaders, CIUW is committed to helping address long- and short-term community needs. Funding decisions are assessed and recommended by CIUW's two standing committees, the Community Needs Committee and the Community Investment Committee, with decisions approved by the Board of Directors.

CIUW is very different from the majority of United Way branches around the country with a long tradition of work place giving and partnerships with local corporations. The Cape and Islands has a seasonal economy and no extensive year-round industry base.  Therefore, CIUW has built a solid fundraising program with individual donations from both year-round and seasonal residents.

For more information, visit capeandislandsuw.org