Volunteering with the Romanian United Foundation (RUF) has been one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life. Since joining the team, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to impactful initiatives that support Romanian communities worldwide. The foundation’s mission resonates deeply with me, and being part of a group so passionate and dedicated to creating positive change has been incredibly inspiring.
Through RUF, I’ve been able to grow both personally and professionally. Collaborating with a talented and diverse team has not only enhanced my skills but also taught me the true value of unity and compassion. The projects we undertake strengthens my belief in the power of community and shared purpose.
It’s an honor to support this extraordinary organization, and I look forward to continuing this journey of growth, impact, and gratitude as part of the RUF family.
I am finally at the point in my life when I could commit some volunteer hours to a non profit, and the search for the right one was extensive. My views are perfectly aligned with the core values of RUF, as I am committed to building a better future for my children, to assist in creating a global Romanian community. This year the anchor charitable protect was building a hospice for children in Romania and people pulled from all directions to make sure that project completed. Staff is incredibly supportive, we have fun working together as well as traveling together . I'm happy I found my village
The Romanian United Foundation (RUF) is a testament to the strength and unity of the Romanian community, no matter where in the world its members reside. RUF brings together Romanians from across the globe, creating a truly international network with one shared mission: to make a positive impact.
What makes RUF exceptional is its ability to harness the talents, skills, and passions of Romanians worldwide. Despite being spread out geographically, the foundation maintains a strong sense of connection and purpose, embodying the values of collaboration, solidarity, and cultural pride.
RUF is more than just an organization; it’s a global family where every member feels empowered to contribute to meaningful change. It showcases the beauty of staying rooted in your heritage while embracing the diversity of working on an international stage. For any Romanian seeking to make a difference while connecting with their global compatriots, RUF is truly a home away from home.
Volunteering with the Romanian United Fund feels like finding a home away from home. Even miles from Romania, RUF connects me to my roots, inspiring me to make a difference and reminding me that I belong to something bigger.
The projects are impactful, the team is supportive, and every effort feels meaningful. RUF isn’t just an organization—it’s a community where you give, grow, and stay connected no matter where life takes you.
To have a home away from home is priceless for the Romanian diaspora - through the Romanian United Foundation we found it. We educate, build and help wherever and whenever the need arises. The impact of our community is far spread - from diaspora all over the world to Romania. It is the gathering of like minded people that keeps our culture and traditions going and the new generations rooted in our heritage. I’m thankful beyond words for the people of this great organization and my ability to volunteer in whatever way I can.
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As a teacher and volunteer for Romanian United Fund and Romanian myself, I am proud of all the work this organization does to unite the diaspora and help fund projects back home and locally. I am particularly happy about the amazing education programs that they offer that were sorely missing for our children and the new friendships we make by getting together at the various events they organize. Keep up the good work!
Imagine being thousands of miles away from Romania and feeling the warmth of home through every story, every event, and every initiative. That’s what the Romanian United Fund (RUF) does—it weaves a magical bridge that connects the diaspora to their roots.
RUF's events are not just gatherings—they are celebrations of our shared culture and accomplishments. For me, being involved with RUF has been more than volunteering; it’s been a way to stay close to home. It’s a constant reminder of how lucky I am to be part of something bigger—a global family of Romanians who care deeply about each other and about our homeland.
It’s not just an organization, it’s a piece of home. And I’m grateful every day to be part of it.
I just love working with everyone from RUF!
The dedication is 100% from every song le person implicated in the projects!
As I moved last year to Chicago I wanted to connect with the local Romanian American community. I discovered Romanian United Foundation and its amazing dedicated team of staff and volunteers. They develop great projects both for the benefit of the local Romanian American community as well as for the benefit of partner organizations in Romania. From Romanian language classes for children to community wide building event, to reconnecting trip to Romania and other many cross border collaboration between Romanian diaspora and the homeland, there are plenty of options for everybody. I highly recomand to join as volunteer or donor.
The Romanian United Foundation (RUF) has truly captured my admiration. Their dedication to supporting the Romanian community, both in Romania and abroad, goes beyond charity—it's about fostering connections and empowering people. Knowing that 100% of donations go straight to impactful projects makes every contribution feel meaningful.
Their work on projects like the Via Transilvanica trail and the ROCO Community Center in Chicago highlights their commitment to both preserving Romanian culture and addressing real needs. I love how they emphasize transparency and accountability, always keeping the community informed about how donations are used. For anyone passionate about uplifting communities and making a genuine impact, RUF is a foundation worth supporting.
Romanian United Foundation brings together people who want to make a positive impact in the world around us. By supporting ambitious projects- such as Via Transilvanica, which won the prestigious Europa Nostra Award in 2024-, raising awareness about the importance of unbiased journalism, fundraising for the restoration of various heritage monuments, or the building of hospitals, RUF aims to connect, educate and encourage positive change in our local and global community. It is the first Romanian nonprofit of this magnitude, gathering people from all over the world, united for good!
RUF is an organization that I'm proud to have volunteered with, and I wholeheartedly support their mission to create a stronger, more connected, and impactful Romanian Diaspora.
One of the standout features of RUF is its 100% pass-through fundraising platform, which ensures that every dollar donated goes directly to the causes they support.
But it's not just about fundraising. RUF goes above and beyond by providing nonprofits in Romania and the diaspora with the funding, tools, training, and support they need to become more effective. They bring together NGOs, donors, and volunteers worldwide, creating a global network of passionate individuals who care about Romania's future.
Join them in their journey to connect, inspire, and belong.
I love volunteering for RUF /ROCCO , a non profit organization that aligns with my passion and skills in education. The work often requires a unique combination of technical and interpersonal skills and a commitment to accomplish the goals of the Romanian community in Chicago .
I'm proud to support such a noble cause and encourage others to join in making a positive change through Romanian United Fund.
Romanian United Fund has been a partner of United Way Romania for over four years and supports us in raising funds for the foundation's educational programs.
With their help, children from United Way educational centers participate in educational and remedial activities (homework help, development of writing, reading and calculation skills, etc.), non-formal activities (reading clubs, outings and excursions, creativity clubs, etc.) .), they received supplies and educational materials, snacks / packages with food products, depending on the needs.
Also, the children's parents are supported in the process of raising awareness of the important role of education in the children's lives, by participating in counseling sessions held by the program's specialists, and a teaching staff participated in training sessions for working skills with children from different backgrounds disadvantaged.
We thank RUF for making their donor public aware of our activity and thus opening up new ways of raising funds for us, such as the Facebook Fundraiser or accessing ethnic Romanian donors from American companies.
Amazing organization that helps communities.
Very welcoming members and supportive.
RUF not only supports others but makes it fun too, buy organizing great events for all ages.
Good job RUF!
I cannot believe how much this nonprofit has evolved since its inception. It has so many activities and events, is partnering up with so many other organizations and it doesn’t seem it will be slowing down soon. Quite the contrary. Its future plans seem bold but I’m sure it will live up to the expectations.
RUF , for me is a reason be a proud Romanian -American and a learnig opportunity -how Romanins can come together, connect,energize and be united for a Romanian cause .Great people,big hearts, amazing in non profit art!
We are the CSH robotics team from the National Pedagogical College "Carmen Sylva" Timișoara and we are deeply grateful for our collaboration with the Romanian United Fund.
Between July 15th-16th, 2023, our team participated in the Chicago Robotics Invitational, a reference competition in the world of robotics, which brings together well-known robotics enthusiasts. We were invited to this competition held in Chicago, Illinois, United States of America based on our outstanding results in Season 7 of the FIRST Tech Challenge, Power Play, and RUF was with us every step of the way.
The inspirational message with which we were greeted in Chicago: "May your America be sweet" (=special wish bringing
I got to know the amazing RUF team during a fundraising campaign for a project done through a collaboration between a team of US volunteers and a team of Romanian volunteers, for an exchange program benefiting over 200 institutionalized children in Romania.
Within a record 2 week time RUF helped us raise the funds necessary to fill a backpack full of necessities for each one of the children who benefited from this project. Additionally, they have offered our team a matching grant.
The RUF team really goes above and beyond when they decide to support a project.
What a great organization! I was able to see how professional this organization is and how they go above and beyond to service the community.
I first discovered RUF in 2019 and all I can say is that I am grateful to be part of such an amazing organization.
Everyone involved is not just professional but very kind and respectful and always willing to go the extra mile for whoever needs help.
Thank you, Mihai and to everyone that is part of RUF for all the little and big ways you’ve pitched in!
Home away from home, that’s how if feels to be part of such a lovely group of warm hearted volunteers. Happy to get “down and dirty” with every challenge that comes our way. RUF is the best thing that happened to the Romanian community in Chicago and potentially worldwide.
Thanks to RUF/ROCO, the Romanian community is facing a great transformation that will largely determine the sustainable development of the young generation.
ROCO/RUF offers both children and adults educational and entertainment programs, with many options to choose from.
I am glad that I am part of this amazing and hardworking volunteer team.
Anyone can volunteer, the only basic condition is that you are passionate about "doing good" and to simply say “I am in”
Amazing organization, great people and truthful volunteers. I am humbled to be part of the group and be able to make a difference.
I identify myself with RUF’s mission and I’m beyond proud to know that many others , through RUF campaigns, put forward their best for the good of many in need.
RUF models multi-generational civic engagement , and delivers successfully in all projects involved.
5 stars, RUF!
You earned it !
Oana D.
A highly trusted NGO for Romanians abroad! It’s been a pleasure to attend their fundraising events in the past and looking forward for more to contribute.
Within a relatively short period of time, RUF managed to impact so many lives through the projects that it funded. I was able to witness first hand, how a small group of dedicated people inspired thousands of donors to join RUF in its quest of making this world a better place. RUF’s accomplishments thus far are proof that together, we are stronger as a community and great things can get done. Please check our RUF’s website today to learn more.
The Romanian community needed an organization that strives to bring everyone togheter around our culture, romanian language and even beyond. RUF is trying to be the glue that binds all romanian diaspora around the newly opened community center ROCO, and through the many initiatives like: Excellence Center, funding campaigns, etc. I am so happy I met the people at RUF and that they inspired me to get involved too!
RUF really fills a gap in heritage-based community organizing for Romanians. Their projects and activities help diaspora Romanians build a home away from home while also impacting positively the communities we left from in Romania.
I am very grateful that RUF exists! They have changed many lives. I know that they will change evermore. What RUF does beyond words: they act, they don't promise! I am so pleased to see all the beautiful projects and be part of the volunteers' team! One of the best non-profit organizations I have volunteered for!
One of the best non-profit organizations I have volunteered for! In such a short period of time since it started, RUF was able to inspire hundreds of people and to fundraise for multiple projects with full transparency!
I have worked briefly with the team and loved every minute of it.They are a group of bright and self driven individuals and blend beautifully with each other.
At the rate they are moving at this will be perfect be one of the most successful organization to support our community and more.
The RUF story started in a conference room of a Chicago Public Library branch on the north side of Chicago. It grew over the past 4 years from about 10 people to hundreds of volunteers and supporters. It’s a learning curve for everyone involved, given how young the organization is, but it’s proven time and again that “I care” can move mountains. Or, given their success with one if their initiative, Via Transilvanica, at least make it easy to cross them.
I admire the people there, the work and the amount of good they do. Totally amazed by such a great team!
RUF is the future!!!I was so happy to hear about them.They believe that we need to do more for the future,to have a strategic relationship with our home,Romania❤️!!!
From the moment I knew about their work, I wanted to help in any way I could. Every contribution is welcomed, no matter the size. I know that all the money raised goes to helping people and is well-spent. There aren't enough words to express my admiration for their leadership and work. I will be a forever member of this organization! Thank you for all you do!!!
I love this non profit organization!
They are doing a great job for romanian community inside and outside Romania
An incredibly talented and dedicated team that's making a meaningful impact across the global Romanian community.