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Why Partner with United Way of Amarillo & Canyon?
For more than 102 years, United Way of Amarillo & Canyon has been bringing our community together to tackle the issues that hit closest to home. What began as a community chest is now a united effort to fight for the health, education, financial stability, basic needs, and future of every person in Amarillo and Canyon.
When you partner with us, you’re investing in a network of local solutions—not just a single program.
- 29 local programs from 22 community organizations are currently receiving funding through United Way of Amarillo & Canyon allocations.
- These programs are carefully vetted to ensure they address real needs, deliver measurable results, and align with our mission.
Our focus is on ALICE+ - households that are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, plus those who are living at or below the poverty line. These are our neighbors who are working hard, yet still struggle to afford basic necessities like housing, child care, food, transportation, and health care.
In Amarillo and Canyon, 45% of households live in ALICE and ALICE+. Partnering with United Way means your investment goes directly to changing that reality.
Impact at a Glance:
- 45% of Amarillo & Canyon households live in ALICE and ALICE+
- 29 local programs at 22 partner agencies are funded through United Way of Amarillo & Canyon
- 98% of every dollar donated stays here in our community
- For $46 a year, ONE life can be changed
Stewardship & Donor Expectations
As an investor in our community, you deserve to know your dollars are used wisely. We are committed to:
- Effective and efficient use of every gift – We maximize impact by coordinating services and reducing duplication across agencies.
- Leveraging resources – We actively seek ways to have supplies, events, and internal projects covered through sponsorships, in-kind donations, and partnerships so that more of your dollars go directly to community impact.
- Accountability and transparency – Programs undergo a rigorous allocations process, with community volunteers reviewing outcomes, budgets, and performance.
When you give to United Way of Amarillo & Canyon, you’re not just making a donation - you’re making an investment in a stronger, more resilient community for everyone.
Emerging Leader Program: Building Leaders through Philanthropy
Develop your organization’s next generation of leaders while making a direct impact in Amarillo & Canyon.
See Emerging Leaders in Action
Hear from campaign volunteers and partners about how the Emerging Leader Program builds leadership, connection, and community impact.
What is an EL?
The Emerging Leader Program is designed for high-potential employees or seasoned leaders ready to take on a broader role in the community.
Participants are “loaned” to United Way of Amarillo & Canyon on a seasonal basis to help run United Way campaigns—serving as spokespeople, relationship builders, and advocates for community change.
Why Should Your Organization Participate?
- Talent Development – Participants gain hands-on leadership experience in planning, communication, and relationship management, and return with stronger skills. Send us your best—they’ll come back even better.
- Community Insight – Employees develop a deeper understanding of United Way programs and local resources that can support your workforce and the families you serve.
- Brand Exposure – Your company’s commitment to the community is visible through their work, strengthening your local presence and reputation.
- Expanded Network – Participants connect with key business and nonprofit leaders, building relationships that can benefit your organization long-term.
Commitment Details
Minimum time requirements:
- 3 hours per week
- August – November
Participants receive guidance, training, and ongoing support from United Way staff to ensure a meaningful and impactful experience for them and your organization.
If you or your organization is curious about becoming an Emerging Leader, contact Ashley Howard, Campaign Director.
Employee Campaign Coordinator Program
What is an ECC?
An Employee Campaign Coordinator (ECC) is a representative within their workplace who leads the United Way of Amarillo & Canyon campaign.
ECCs encourage coworkers to give, advocate, and volunteer—helping their organization make a meaningful difference in the lives of people right here in Amarillo and Canyon.
Why Become an ECC?
Becoming an ECC is more than a volunteer role—it’s a leadership opportunity.
· Lead from where you are ECCs help shape the culture of giving in their workplace. You’ll organize campaign activities, share impact stories, and inspire your coworkers to get involved.
· Build communication and project management skills From planning events to presenting information about United Way programs, ECCs gain practical experience that translates directly back to their day-to-day roles.
· Create visible impact in your community You’ll see how your efforts help increase participation, raise more dollars, and support 29 local programs at 22 partner agencies serving our neighbors in need.
· Stay connected with United Way support ECCs are never on their own. United Way staff provide tools, templates, talking points, and guidance to make running a campaign as simple and effective as possible.
“Serving as an Employee Campaign Coordinator connected our company to the community in a new way. Our team didn’t just let we understood where the dollars were going and saw the impact. United Way made it easy to communicate, organize activities, and keep everyone engaged throughout the campaign.”
— Gwen Sappenfield, Project Manager, Duke Electric Co.
Workplace Giving: Making an Impact Every Pay Period
Workplace giving makes it easy for your employees and your company to make a consistent, lasting impact in Amarillo & Canyon. Whether it’s a few dollars each pay period, a fun office event, or a major corporate investment, your workplace can be a powerful force for local change.
How Workplace Giving Works
Workplace giving starts with a conversation. Our Fundraising Department will work with you to design a giving approach that fits your culture, your goals, and your employees.
Typical steps:
- Connect with our team We’ll learn about your organization, your workforce, and how you prefer to engage employees.
- Choose your giving methods Together, we’ll identify the best mix of options for your company.
- Launch your campaign We provide materials, messaging, and support to help you communicate the impact of giving.
- Celebrate and report back We’ll share results and community impact so your employees can see the difference they’re making.
Workplace Giving Options
- Payroll Deductions - Employees designate a small amount from each paycheck creating steady, reliable support for 29 local programs at 22 partner agencies.
- Workplace Events - Host fun, team-building events that also raise funds, such as:
- Chili cook-offs
- Jeans days
- Raffles or auctions
- Pie in the Face
- Corporate Investments - Your company can make a direct corporate gift, sponsor a program or event, or offer matching funds to amplify employee giving.
- Custom Workplace Giving Tactics - Every workplace is different. We’ll help you design custom approaches that fit your culture whether that’s department challenges, recognition programs, or seasonal campaigns.
We’re grateful for the many local employers who choose to support United Way of Amarillo & Canyon through workplace giving. Here are just a few of the organizations helping drive change every pay period:
- ABC Manufacturing
- Canyon Health Systems
- High Plains Financial Group
- Panhandle Energy Services
- Amarillo Regional Bank
- Canyon ISD
- Prairie Tech Solutions
- West Texas Logistics
- Sunrise Foods Inc.
- Amarillo Community Hospital
- Duke Electric Co.
- Plains Insurance Partners
- Summit Construction Group
- Harmony Senior Living
- Red Rock Communications
- Canyon Credit Union
- Lone Star Plastics
- North Side Medical Group
- Mesa Engineering
- Prairie View Distribution
- Amarillo Packaging Co.
- Pioneer Data Services
- Golden Fields Retail
- Canyon Printing & Design
- Western Ag Supply
- Panhandle Realty Group
- Blue Sky Transportation
- Heritage Consulting
- Plainsview Marketing
- Amarillo Steelworks
- Frontier Hospitality Group
- Canyon Office Solutions
- Highline Security Services
- Trailhead Outdoor Co.
Annual Campaign: Launching a Year of Impact Every August
Each August, United Way of Amarillo & Canyon kicks off our Annual Campaign a fun, themed launch of workplace giving that sets the tone for a full year of fundraising and community impact. From creative events to employee engagement challenges, our Annual Campaign brings local companies together to support 29 programs at 22 partner agencies.
We fundraise year-round, but every August we re-energize our community with a new campaign theme that builds excitement, recognition, and momentum.
2025 Theme: United We Ride
In 2025, our United We Ride campaign embraces a Western theme that celebrates the grit, generosity, and neighbor-helping-neighbor spirit of the Texas Panhandle. From rodeo-inspired events to Western-wear days at the office, companies are invited to “saddle up” and ride together for a stronger Amarillo & Canyon.
2025 Campaign Snapshot
- Emerging Leaders (ELs) Engaged: XX
- Fundraising Events Hosted: Approximately XX events across local workplaces
Top 10 Campaign Partners & Sponsors:
- Xcel Energy
- Pantex
- The United Family (United Supermarkets)
2024 Theme: Campaign of Rock
In 2024, our Campaign of Rock theme turned the volume up on giving with a rock-music vibe that made fundraising fun and memorable.
2024 Campaign Snapshot
- Emerging Leaders (ELs) Engaged: XX
- Fundraising Events Hosted: Approximately XX events across local workplaces
Top 10 Campaign Partners & Sponsors:
- Xcel Energy
- Pantex
- The United Family (United Supermarkets)
Ongoing & Future Campaigns
Even though we kick off workplace giving each August, our fundraising continues all year long. Leaders in workplace giving like Xcel Energy, Pantex, and The United Family (United Supermarkets) help set the pace and inspire others to join in.
Every year, we introduce a fun, dynamic theme to:
- Encourage employee participation and friendly competition
- Highlight local impact stories
- Give companies fresh, creative ways to engage their teams
Your organization can join us as a workplace giving partner, sponsor, or Emerging Leader host helping to shape the next year’s campaign.