Make real opportunity possible.

Year Up United empowers untapped talent to get skilled for high-demand jobs and reshape the world of work. Donors like you make it possible.

Why donate to Year Up United?

Deliver a Big Impact

When you choose to donate to Year Up United, your gift creates a measurable and lasting impact. Over 80% of our graduates are employed and/or enrolled in postsecondary education just four months after completing the program. Those employed begin their careers with an impressive average starting salary of $52,000 a year. These results prove one thing: our program works.

Make Communities Stronger

Your support helps build stronger, more resilient communities. Year Up United empowers young adults to achieve the professional and academic success they need to secure better jobs, support their families, and give back to their communities. By choosing to donate to Year Up United, you’re putting your values into action by backing a national nonprofit that drives real change.

Enjoy a Powerful Way to Give Back

Every dollar you contribute has a direct and transformative impact. Your generosity gives motivated young adults access to technical and professional skills that prepare them for successful careers. When you donate to Year Up United, you’re not just giving back – you’re paving the way for the next generation to reach their full potential.

Open Doors for Deserving Young People

Millions of young adults remain disconnected from the economic mainstream despite their drive and motivation to succeed. Your donation bridges this gap by helping to end the Opportunity Divide, providing real access to career and educational opportunities for talented young people. Every time you donate to Year Up United, you’re helping to build a better future for all.

Donor Spotlights

Chris and Lorraine Wilson, Wilson Sheehan Foundation
“Year Up United opened our eyes to the potential of ambitious young adults with a strong drive to excel. We are still amazed by the achievements of Year Up United; despite high expectations, Year Up United has exceeded our wildest dreams.”
Sarah Keh, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, Prudential Financial
“There are currently millions of Opportunity Youth in the United States who are not in school or working. Year Up United provides these young people with in-demand job and career readiness skills that are critical to obtaining quality employment."
Darnell Barnes, Year Up United alumnus, Opportunity Society member
"I found Year Up United's resources exceptionally helpful in propelling my career. I intend to support the mission of improving our communities while I continue to give back."

OppSociety

The Opportunity Society is a community of philanthropic individuals and families dedicated to closing the Opportunity Divide. We welcome any donor giving $1,000 or more in a fiscal year.

Member
$1,000-$4,999
  • Recognition in Annual Report
  • Quarterly Updates
  • Special Invitations to Events and Graduation
Bronze
$5,000–$9,999
  • Invitation to Local Group Tours
  • Recognition in Annual Report
  • Quarterly Updates
  • Special Invitations to Events and Graduation
Plus +
  • Invitation to Local Group Tours
Silver
$10,000–$24,999
  • Student Impact Letter
  • Recognition in Annual Report
  • Quarterly Updates
  • Invitation to Local Group Tours
Plus +
  • Student Impact Letter
Gold
$25,000–$49,999
  • Invitation to Donor Appreciation Event with Year Up United Students & Staff
  • Recognition in Annual Report
  • Quarterly Updates
  • Invitation to Local Group Tours
  • Student Impact Letter
Plus +
  • Invitation to Donor Appreciation Event with Year Up United Students & Staff
Platinum
$50,000–$99,999
  • Invitation to Year Up United Investor Call
  • Recognition in Annual Report
  • Quarterly Updates
  • Invitations to local events and group site tours
  • Student Impact Letter
  • Invitation to Donor Appreciation Event with Year Up United Students & Staff
Plus +
  • Invitation to Year Up United Investor Call
Sapphire
$100,000–$249,999
  • Invitation to Impact Tour with Year Up United Executives
  • Recognition in Annual Report
  • Quarterly Updates
  • Special Invitations to Events and Graduation
  • Invitation to Local Group Tours
  • Student Impact Letter
  • Invitation to Donor Appreciation Event with Year Up United Students & Staff
  • Invitation to Year Up United Investor Call
Plus +
  • Invitation to Impact Tour with Year Up United Executives
Diamond
$250,000+
  • Personalized Stewardship and Recognition Opportunities
  • Recognition in Annual Report
  • Quarterly updates
  • Special Invitations to Events and Graduation
  • Invitation to Local Group Tours
  • Student Impact Letter
  • Invitation to Donor Appreciation Event with Year Up United Students & Staff
  • Invitation to Year Up United Investor Call
  • Invitation to Impact Tour with Year Up United Executives
Plus +
  • Personalized Stewardship and Recognition Opportunities
Founder's Circle
$1,000,000+
  • Exclusive opportunities to engage with thought leaders in the Opportunity Movement.
  • Recognition in Annual Report
  • Quarterly updates
  • Special Invitations to Events and Graduation
  • Invitation to Local Group Tours
  • Student Impact Letter
  • Invitation to Donor Appreciation Event with Year Up United Students & Staff
  • Invitation to Year Up Investor Call
  • Invitation to Impact Tour with Year Up United Executives
  • Personalized Stewardship and Recognition Opportunities
  • Invitation to Impact Tour with Year Up united Executives
Plus +
  • Exclusive opportunities to engage with thought leaders in the Opportunity Movement

What Supporters Say

Make a real impact for good.

“I support Year Up United because I see the impact it makes. It gets real results that truly change lives in a tangible way."

Marci McCalmon
Supporter, Chicago

Make a real difference.

“It’s about trust, really. I share Year Up United's desire to close the Opportunity Divide. But I donate because I know they’ll do what they say.”

Alecia Maclin
Sr. Real Estate & Construction Manager, AT&T
Supporter, Greater Atlanta

Give back to your community.

“There’s a glow from students when they are offered a full-time job. But there’s a sense of accomplishment for me as well.”

Marcy Tufarolo
Supporter, Bellevue

Help us close the
Opportunity Divide.

The Founder’s Circle is comprised of an exclusive group of philanthropic individuals and families who have invested $1,000,000 or more in Year Up United during their lifetime. Their support has been instrumental in allowing us to provide opportunities to a growing number of talented young adults each year.

Founders Circle logo

One of the ways donors choose to express their commitment to Year Up United's mission is to name Year Up United in their wills and trusts. Planned Giving donors are welcomed into our planned giving honor society, the Legacy Society. Members enjoy Opportunity Society benefits at the Bronze Level.

Legacy Society logo

Visit our FAQs page to learn more

Donor and Volunteer FAQs
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