Florence, South Carolina – A redesigned digital front door is now open for United Way of Florence County, and part of its foundation was shaped by students at Francis Marion University.
After more than a year of research, planning and collaboration, the organization has launched a new website at uwflorence.org, giving residents, donors, nonprofits and community partners a clearer way to understand its work across Florence County. The updated site follows a larger brand refresh that brought brighter colors, revised logos and a more modern look to United Way’s public presence.
But the change is not only visual. It reflects a deeper shift in how United Way of Florence County now approaches community investment.
In recent years, the organization has moved away from spreading smaller grants across many groups and toward deeper, more strategic funding designed to create long-term impact. That new direction became more visible in 2025, when United Way launched its first collective impact grant process, allowing nonprofits throughout Florence County to seek support through a more focused and community-centered model.
Read also: MUSC surgeons to meet residents during community robotics event in Florence
The organization has also introduced efforts such as the Florence County Collective, which encourages stronger collaboration among local nonprofits, and the Barriers to Employment Program, which helps residents address challenges that may keep them from getting or keeping work.
As United Way’s role continued to grow, leaders saw a need for a website that could better explain that work. The redesigned platform now features easier navigation, stronger impact reporting, improved accessibility and more engaging storytelling. Its goal is to show not just what United Way funds, but how those investments affect real people and families.
Francis Marion University students helped shape parts of that process through two class projects led by Dr. Kay Lawrimore-Belanger and Dr. Marie DeVincenzo. Students researched the organization’s online presence, developed website concepts and offered recommendations that helped inspire elements of the finished site.
“Every semester, my class does a project for United Way, and I always encourage them to take the work seriously because their research could make a real difference,” said Dr. DeVincenzo.
“Students enroll in my class not knowing what to expect. It’s a class with no exams, but by the semester’s end, they will have had real world responsibilities. Working with organizations to provide marketing recommendations allows students to develop skills needed for successful careers,” Dr. Lawrimore-Belanger said.
United Way of Florence County President Cameron Campbell said the finished website captures the organization’s growth and its connection to FMU.
“We are incredibly proud of the work we’ve been able to accomplish over the past several years, and this new website really reflects that growth,” Campbell said. “Francis Marion University has been a wonderful partner throughout this process, and that partnership has already led to two incredibly talented team members who first worked with us through classroom projects. It’s exciting to see those relationships grow into real careers while also helping advance our mission in the community.”
Read also: Florence real estate firm opens full-time marketing role for creative professional
United Way of Florence County supports local nonprofit programs focused on youth opportunity, community health and financial security. The organization also connects residents with services through the 211 resource referral line, supports nonprofit collaboration through the Florence County Collective and organizes Day of Caring, the county’s largest annual volunteer event.
