WASHINGTON, DC — United Way of the National Capital Area and United Way of Southern Maryland completed a merger effective February 2, 2026, expanding the combined organization’s reach to 14 jurisdictions across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.
The strategic combination integrates United Way of Southern Maryland’s three counties—Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s—with United Way NCA’s existing 11 jurisdictions: Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax/Falls Church, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Rappahannock County, Culpeper County, and Fauquier County in Virginia; Montgomery County and Prince George’s County in Maryland; and the District of Columbia. The merger aims to increase community impact in three focus areas: Healthy Communities, Youth Opportunity, and Financial Security.
Rosie Allen-Herring, president and CEO of United Way NCA, stated, “The fundamental reason for this new model is simple: together, we can make the most meaningful, lasting impact across our three impact areas of: Healthy Communities, Youth Opportunity, and Financial Security to cover our now 14-county footprint by sharing resources, talent, relationships, data, and best practices to expand our reach into the community.”
Steve Proctor, board chair of United Way NCA and CEO of G.S. Proctor & Associates, noted personal ties to the region: “The joining of our two United Ways holds extra special meaning for me and my family as lifelong residents of Southern Maryland. We look forward to continuing this important work so that families thrive in the region.”
Yonelle Moore Lee, Esq., board chair of United Way of Southern Maryland, emphasized the organizations’ shared goals: “This change comes after careful consideration and a shared commitment to strengthening the impact we have together in the community. United Way of Southern Maryland has accomplished incredible work over the years—mobilizing resources, supporting families, and driving initiatives that have improved lives across the three counties we serve. None of this would have been possible without the partnership, generosity, and unwavering support of our communities.”
United Way Worldwide encouraged and endorsed the merger, which enables United Way NCA to broaden its footprint, maximize resources, expand data-driven programs, strengthen partnerships, and develop new ones. The move supports more effective revenue diversification, brand awareness, and community engagement across the enlarged service area.
To integrate Southern Maryland communities, United Way NCA plans a series of town hall events and volunteer engagements in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties over the coming months. Details on these events will be announced in the coming weeks to encourage participation from residents, leaders, and partners.
As part of its commitment to Southern Maryland, United Way NCA will co-host the “Get Back on Your Feet” event with Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks at the College of Southern Maryland on March 28, 2026. The event will offer resources for financial recovery and stability, including rental and utility assistance, debt repair, credit counseling, and workforce development.
Allen-Herring added, “The strength of our organizations allows us to accomplish more and build additional capacity to engage people, communities and organizations, elevate brand strength and awareness, and manage and diversify revenue streams more effectively across 14 counties. As United Way NCA looks to soon celebrate its 100th birthday, the merger marks a milestone that charts our future for a thriving national capital area.”
The merger positions the organization to address regional challenges more comprehensively in Southern Maryland, where Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties face needs related to housing affordability, youth education, and economic stability amid proximity to federal employment centers and military installations such as Naval Air Station Patuxent River. By combining operational strengths, the unified entity seeks to deliver scalable solutions while preserving local relationships built by United Way of Southern Maryland over decades of service.
