Cary, NC -- On Tuesday, September 30, NC Courage and North Carolina FC hosted their inaugural Partnership Summit, gathering corporate and community partners to discuss the continued growth of professional soccer in North Carolina and the value of partnerships that extend beyond the field.
Representing United Way of North Carolina (UWNC) was President and CEO Brittany Pruitt Fletcher, who shared insights into the organization’s statewide impact and the meaningful connection between sports, community engagement, and philanthropy.
Joining her discussion was Mike Sage, SVP Sales & Integrated Partnerships for NC Courage and North Carolina FC. He highlighted how United Way’s partnership with NC Courage is designed to raise awareness for the many cause marketing initiatives supported by United Way across the state. “Through an association with a professional sports team, United Way of North Carolina is able to be really specific about how we raise funds that go right back into our communities,” Sage explained.
A Statewide Partnership with Local Impact
What makes this partnership unique is that United Way of North Carolina serves as the state association for 47 local United Ways, representing work in 85 of the state’s 100 counties. While other women’s soccer teams—like those in Orlando and Kansas City—have partnered with local United Ways, this partnership allows for statewide engagement that amplifies local impact.
Pruitt Fletcher noted that NC Courage’s fan base extends well beyond the Triangle region, providing an opportunity to connect supporters from across North Carolina to the critical community work being done every day. “When I first brought this partnership to our executive committee, there was excitement but also curiosity,” she shared. “We’re a future-focused organization, and women’s soccer is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. The data showed us that this is a community we want to engage with.”
Responding to Community Needs
Pruitt Fletcher also reflected on how the partnership opportunity was strengthened during Hurricane Helene relief efforts in 2024. “When Helene hit, the Courage team immediately reached out asking how they could help,” she said. “Their support provided emergency funding to impacted communities across Western North Carolina.”
Since then, United Way of North Carolina has distributed an additional $4 million in housing-related funding statewide, with a focus on ALICE households—those who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed. These are working individuals and families who struggle to afford basic necessities despite being employed. “Our goal is to move ALICE families toward self-sufficiency and sustainability,” Pruitt Fletcher explained.
Connecting Communities Through 211
Pruitt Fletcher also emphasized the importance of NC 211, United Way’s 24/7 information and referral service that connects North Carolinians to essential resources. “People can call 211 any time of day and speak to a real person who will help them find services in their community,” she said. “Housing assistance is consistently our top need, followed by utilities, food, health care, and child care.”
In 2024 alone, NC 211 received more than 200,000 calls, identifying over 450,000 individual needs across the state—demonstrating the scale of community challenges and the ongoing importance of United Way’s support network.
Fundraising, Engagement, and Community Empowerment
Through this partnership, NC Courage and United Way of North Carolina are collaborating on several creative fundraising initiatives. Fans will have opportunities to give back through round-up donations, silent auctions, merchandise and concession proceeds, and even a golf tournament benefiting United Way. Next season, ticket purchases will also include an option to add a donation, and tickets will be provided to underserved populations across the state.
“All of the funds raised through these activities will go directly into United Way’s general fund,” Sage added. “From there, they’re distributed based on community priorities and the needs identified through 211 calls and local partnerships.”
Getting Involved
Pruitt Fletcher encouraged attendees to get involved with their local United Way through volunteerism, donations, or advocacy. “Our 47 local United Ways are on the front lines of service, and we work every day to strengthen their capacity and expand their reach,” she said.
Individuals can learn more about United Way’s work, access the ALICE data, find volunteer opportunities, or connect with 211 by visiting UnitedWayNC.org.
As Pruitt Fletcher concluded, “This partnership represents the power of teamwork—both on and off the field. Together, we’re building stronger, more resilient communities across North Carolina.”
####
About United Way of North Carolina
United Way mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. For almost 50 years, United Way of North Carolina (UWNC) has been a statewide organization, partnering with 47 local United Ways to co-create solutions to people’s most pressing challenges. We take a comprehensive approach, listening and responding to statewide needs, including but not limited to, strengthening local resilience and advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security in our state. UWNC bridges and mobilizes people, local United Ways, and resources so individuals, families, and communities thrive in North Carolina. We are committed to four core areas of work: Member services, NC 211, Disaster Response, and Advocacy.
About NC Courage
The North Carolina Courage are a Division I professional women’s soccer team that play in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The NC Courage play home games at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC. The NC Courage was established in January 2017 after owner Steve Malik acquired the Western New York Flash following their 2016 NWSL Championship Season and moved the team to North Carolina. Since relocating to Raleigh, the NC Courage have won three consecutive NWSL Shields, the inaugural Women’s ICC Championship, and the 2018 and 2019 NWSL Championships. For more information on the NC Courage, please follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and visit NCCourage.com.