Join the UCP Affiliate Network

UCP affiliates are leaders in their communities  providing innovative programs and services every day for more than 176,000 children and adults with disabilities. By becoming an affiliate of UCP, you join 65 organizations across the country in a network of mutual support and innovation connected through and affiliated with UCP’s national office in Washington, D.C.

The affiliate network is diverse in their budget size ($125,000 to $260 million), services offered and individuals served.  They provide a wide range of services and individuals including those with cerebral palsy, complex medical needs and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Approximately 35% of the individuals served have cerebral palsy.

You are invited  to visit one or more of UCP’s current affiliates to gain an understanding of the work they do and to identify how your organization could benefit from joining a group of your peers engaged in providing opportunities for  individuals with disabilities to live a life without limits.

Here are a few quotes from affiliates in the network:

UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago, as an affiliate of UCP, benefits from the fact that the UCP national brand is widely recognized. It generates referrals from those needing services and helps foster and expand our philanthropic network.”

-John Voit, CEO of UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago

“Although the UCP affiliate network is as diverse as our communities, we share a sense of single purpose, camaraderie, and passion. We are stronger together. The voice of advocacy is heard more clearly through a collective effort.  Unity and strength are necessary to ensure the people we support have a seat at the table.”

-Ann Coffey, of UCP of Oregon

If your non profit organization is dedicated to serving the needs of individuals with disabilities, has a mission that fits with the UCP mission and has a budget size of a minimum of $125,000 please contact  Anita Porco, aporco@ucp.org or 202-973-7166 to begin a discussion.

For those organizations that are considering starting a non-profit organization to serve those with disabilities, these are some things to consider:

Read More

Establish a board of 10-15 people who can raise the funds necessary to sustain the operations of your organization and have the business expertise to grow the organization.

Be able to identify any and all appropriate funding streams including fundraising activities.

Be able to raise the necessary start-up funds within a reasonable period of time. It usually takes 18-24 months to raise sufficient funds to open.

Have the support of the community.

Be prepared to undertake the ongoing responsibilities of fundraising and fiscal management.

Be housed in a physical space of at least 1500 to 2000 square feet.

Ensure that the services you provide are not in competition with other providers but rather enhance the services available for people with disabilities.

"Explore the Value Proposition", and "Opportunities to Raise Funds for your Organization" with these links.