United Way of 1000 Lakes is proud to announce its participation in the global launch of a refreshed brand, alongside United Way Worldwide (UWW), to better reflect our commitment to mobilizing communities and driving impactful change.

“The global brand refresh is a significant milestone in our organization’s 137-year history and represents our commitment to evolve and innovate to meet the changing needs of our communities worldwide,” said Angela F. Williams, president and CEO of UWW. “It reflects our organization’s enduring journey, while also embodying our transformative approach to remain relevant, sustainable, and impactful now and into the future.”

The brand refresh comes at a time when data shows a decline in volunteerism and charitable contributions. This renewed strategy aims to boost engagement, clarify the organization’s unique value, and demonstrate why audiences should support United Way’s work. The refreshed brand emphasizes four core impact areas: youth opportunity, healthy community, financial security, and community resiliency.

United Way of 1000 Lakes began participating in UWW’s Early Adopter Program in March 2024, undergoing training to ensure a unified and cohesive story is told across the network, while also strengthening local relevance. As part of the refresh, websites, print materials, and digital assets are being updated to reflect this transformation.

“United Way of 1000 Lakes is excited to be part of this evolution, strengthening our mission to serve the community and create long-term positive change,” stated Kim Brink Smith, executive director. “The refreshed brand includes the new ‘United is the Way™’ campaign theme, inviting individuals and communities to take action and make a bigger impact together.”

This revitalization also features a dynamic new visual identity, with the iconic UWW circle of hope logo unboxed to symbolize our commitment to responding to evolving needs in real time. With this new identity, we are poised to engage the next generation of volunteers and donors, expanding our collective capacity to address the pressing challenges faced by communities everywhere.

The brand update was informed by comprehensive research, including both local and global insights into community needs.

As the new brand is rolled out across all communication channels, including a refreshed website. The network is confident that the global brand refresh will resonate with its diverse audience and inspire increased engagement and support for communities around the world.

For more information on the United Way brand refresh, please call 218-999-7580.