Romanian United Foundation - RUF - is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. EIN Number: 84-2755681. Your donation is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

Romanian United Foundation

Founder & President: Mihai Lehene
5408 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago IL 60625
Contact: [email protected], +1 (715) 610-5940
Monday through Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM (CST)

About Us

The Romanian United Fund (RUF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing the Romanian diaspora and its global friends to create lasting impact. Founded in 2019, RUF has become a trusted platform for funding, collaboration, and innovation, driving meaningful change in Romania and Romanian communities worldwide.

Through campaigns, strategic projects, and partnerships, RUF bridges the gap between global supporters and impactful initiatives, fostering a stronger connection between the Romanian diaspora and its heritage.

Our Mission

To unite and mobilize the Romanian diaspora to support nonprofit organizations and initiatives that improve lives, preserve culture, and create opportunities for future generations.

Our Vision

A vibrant and connected Romanian diaspora that plays a key role in shaping Romania’s global presence, fostering collaboration, and creating long-term impact.

What We Do

RUF focuses on six core areas: Diaspora Community, Education, Civic Engagement, Healthcare, Environment, and Heritage. We partner with vetted organizations to ensure proper governance, transparency, and impactful results.

Since its inception, RUF has embarked on several high-impact campaigns and projects:

• Via Transilvanica Campaign (2019): Raised $100,000 to support the creation of Via Transilvanica, a 1,000-kilometer trail showcasing Romania’s history, culture, and natural beauty.
• Coronavirus Campaign (2020): Raised over $800,000 to supply more than 1,000 institutions in Romania with essential supplies during the pandemic.
• Play For Good Campaign (2021): Supported children with cancer and severe burns, raising over $84,000.
• Ukraine Peace Campaign (2022): Raised nearly $400,000 to assist 16 nonprofits helping Ukrainian refugees in Romania.
• ROCO Campaign (2022): Focused on creating a Romanian Community Center in Chicago, this campaign raised over $200,000.

Strategic Initiatives

RUF champions transformative initiatives that define our impact:

• GlobalRomania: A platform connecting and empowering the Romanian diaspora to build long-term collaborations, foster innovation, and drive change.
• Via Transilvanica: A national treasure, this 1,400-kilometer trail is a symbol of unity, culture, and sustainable tourism in Romania.
• Copaceni Children's Hospital: A collaboration with HOSPICE Casa Speranței to develop a state-of-the-art palliative care facility for children in Romania.
• Babeș-Bolyai Alumni Club: Strengthening ties between alumni and the global Romanian academic community to foster education and collaboration.

Our Values

We are guided by six core values:

• Integrity: Trust and transparency are at the heart of all we do.
• Excellence: We strive to achieve extraordinary results through impactful and innovative solutions.
• Partnership: Collaboration amplifies our reach and effectiveness.
• Openness: We welcome everyone who shares our mission, regardless of background.
• Kindness: Empathy and compassion shape our interactions and initiatives.
• Respect: We honor the contributions and perspectives of all stakeholders.

Our Structure

As of December 2024, RUF operates with 12 paid staff members, an unpaid Executive Director, several part-time employees and consultants, and over 100 active volunteers: learn more about our team. We emphasize transparency in all our operations, ensuring donors know exactly how their contributions are utilized. Our rigorous vetting process guarantees that funds are allocated to credible and impactful partners.

RUF’s commitment to financial efficiency and accountability is reflected in its 88/100 Accountability & Finance Score from Charity Navigator, a testament to our trustworthiness and sustainability.

Get Involved

Whether you’re a donor, volunteer, or partner, there’s a place for you at RUF. Join us in supporting projects that transform lives and communities and be part of a movement that connects the Romanian diaspora to its roots and future. Together, we can create a brighter tomorrow for Romania and its global communities.

Visit our Get Involved page or Contact Us for more information.

The Foundation's financial health and governance practices are well-regarded, with an Accountability & Finance Score of 88/100 from Charity Navigator, reflecting its commitment to financial efficiency, sustainability, and trustworthiness.