The Romanian United Foundation (RUF) is a dynamic nonprofit organization dedicated to uniting the Romanian diaspora and its global allies to create a lasting impact on Romania’s future. Founded in 2019 and based in Chicago, RUF serves as a bridge between donors, volunteers, and impactful projects, driving positive change both in Romania and within Romanian communities worldwide.

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Our Mission

RUF’s mission is to:

• Mobilize the Romanian diaspora to support impactful nonprofit organizations.
• Improve lives through education, healthcare, civic engagement, and cultural preservation.
• Foster collaboration and innovation to create opportunities for future generations.

Our Vision

RUF envisions a connected, vibrant Romanian diaspora that contributes to a globally recognized, thriving Romania. By building bridges between communities, RUF aims to position Romania at the forefront of global progress.

What We Do

RUF empowers communities by:

• Funding Projects: Raising funds for transformative initiatives in education, healthcare, environment, and cultural heritage.
• Connecting People: Creating a global network of Romanian professionals, leaders, and changemakers.
• Supporting Nonprofits: Providing tools, training, and resources to grassroots organizations to help them achieve their missions.
• Promoting Civic Engagement: Inspiring the diaspora to actively shape their communities and Romania's future.

Key Impact Areas

RUF focuses on six strategic areas:

1. Diaspora Community: Building strong, connected Romanian communities worldwide.
2. Education: Supporting programs that provide access to quality education and training.
3. Civic Engagement: Encouraging active participation in shaping communities and governance.
4. Healthcare: Improving access to healthcare and supporting palliative care initiatives.
5. Environment: Funding sustainability and conservation projects.
6. Heritage: Preserving Romania’s cultural and historical legacy.

Major Campaigns and Achievements

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

• Via Transilvanica Campaign (2019): Raised $100,000 for a 1,400 km trail showcasing Romania’s beauty and history.
• COVID-19 Campaign (2020): Raised over $800,000 to provide essential supplies to more than 1,000 institutions in Romania.
• Ukraine Peace Campaign (2022): Raised nearly $400,000 to support Ukrainian refugees in Romania.
• ROCO Campaign (2022): Raised $300,000+ to establish a Romanian Community Center in Chicago.

Current 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.

Core 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.

Structure and Transparency

RUF operates with a small, dedicated team of staff and volunteers, emphasizing transparency and accountability in its operations. The foundation has a 100% pass-through model, ensuring every dollar raised goes directly to the projects it supports. RUF’s governance practices are highly regarded, earning it an 88/100 Accountability & Finance score from Charity Navigator.

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.

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)

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.