The United Way of Jamaica (UWJ) was established in 1985 to fulfil the need for a sustained system for mobilizing resources for the private voluntary sector. The Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS) negotiated with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Jamaica for a Voluntary Sector Development Grant, which resulted in the organization being incorporated in January 1985 and officially launched in November 1985.
The United Way of Jamaica is an autonomous non-profit Private Voluntary Organization registered as a Charitable Organization under Section 2 and Section 17 of the Charities Act and an affiliate of United Way Worldwide.
The organization has remained focused on its mission "To mobilize resources to transform lives throughout Jamaica" and has rallied over J$2 billion dollars to:
• Support training for early childhood educators.
• Improve facilities at Early Childhood Institutions.
• Increase support and opportunities for the vulnerable and those with special needs.
• Assist in relief and restoration efforts, especially to farmers, in times of disaster.
• Support skills training and other community development programs targeting at-risk youths.
• Assist agencies engaged in the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases.
To mobilize resources to transform lives throughout Jamaica.
