

The Largest Italian American Service Organization in the U.S.



The Largest Italian American Service Organization in the U.S.


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Our Mission.
The UNICO National mission is to promote the image of Italian Americans along with Italian heritage and culture by supporting charitable, scientific, cultural, educational, and literary projects.
The men and women of our many chapters across the country devote their time, energy and resources to serve their local communities. They also support UNICO National causes such as scholarships, Cooley’s Anemia, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and Cancer Prevention and Research.
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Founded in 1922 by Dr. Anthony P. Vastola in Waterbury, Connecticut to unite people of Italian heritage in an organization to perform charitable, patriotic and educational deeds.
UNICO’s motto is “Service Above Self”. UNICO means “unique” or “only one of its kind” in Italian and additionally, the letters represent: U-Unity, N-Neighborliness, I-Integrity, C-Charity and O-Opportunity.
Our Leadership.
National Officers of UNICO National

Anthony Bengivenga
National President
Greater Westfield, NJ

Joseph Nasello
Executive Vice President
Saddle Brook, NJ

Brian Guarco
First Vice President
Granby, CT

Steve Calantone
Second Vice President
Wayne, NJ
Happenings at UNICO National





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Q: How can I donate to a charity through UNICO National?A: Donating to UNICO National is straightforward and greatly appreciated as it helps support our various community service projects, educational initiatives, and charities. To donate, you can visit our official website at www.unico.org and navigate to the "Donate" section - or click the "Donate Now" button on our homepage. There, you'll find options to make a one-time donation. You can choose to donate online via credit card. Alternatively, if you prefer to send a check, please make it payable to "UNICO National", specify the charity you are donating to, and mail it to our national office at the address provided on the website. Your generosity supports our mission of "Service Above Self" and helps us continue to make a positive impact in the communities we serve. Thank you for your support!
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Q: What is the Annual Convention hosted by UNICO National?A: The Annual Convention is a significant event hosted by UNICO National's Convention Committee. Held each summer, this convention gathers members from across the country to engage in a series of activities, including networking sessions, educational workshops, and social events. It serves as an opportunity to celebrate the organization's accomplishments, plan future initiatives, and reinforce the motto, "Service Above Self." The convention is designed to foster camaraderie among members, provide valuable leadership training, and offer insights into the charitable and cultural projects championed by the organization. Additionally, the event often features keynote speakers, awards ceremonies, and cultural programs that highlight Italian American heritage.
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Q: How do I apply for a scholarship through UNICO National?A: At UNICO National, we're proud to support the academic dreams of students through our comprehensive scholarship program! To apply for a scholarship, you will need to follow these steps carefully: 1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, which typically include being of Italian descent, having a minimum GPA, and being a U.S. citizen or legal resident. Specific scholarships might have additional requirements, so please read each scholarship description thoroughly. 2. Prepare Documentation: Gather necessary documents such as your academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and any other documents specified in the scholarship requirements. 3. Fill Out the Application: Visit our official website at [UNICO National Scholarship Page](https://www.unico.org/scholarships) and select the scholarship(s) you wish to apply for. Complete the online application form with accurate and detailed information. 4. Submit Your Application: Ensure all required materials are uploaded and attached as per the scholarship guidelines before submitting your application. Double-check for any deadlines to make sure your application is submitted on time. 5. Follow Up: After submission, you may receive communications for additional information. Keep an eye on your email and follow up accordingly. Remember, our scholarship program is competitive and highly sought after, so take the time to submit a well-prepared application. We look forward to helping you achieve your academic goals! For further details or assistance, please feel free to contact our office at uniconational@unico.org. Good luck!
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Q: How can I join UNICO National?A: To join UNICO National, the largest Italian American service organization in the U.S., start by visiting our official website, www.unico.org, and navigate to the "Join Us" section. Here, you can find detailed information on the membership requirements and benefits. Membership is typically open to individuals of Italian descent and those passionate about supporting Italian American heritage and community service projects. Prospective members can complete an online application or download an application form to be emailed/mailed. Additionally, joining one of our local chapters can provide a more personal introduction to the organization - See the "Find a Chapter" tab. By becoming a member, you'll be part of a community dedicated to "Service Above Self," engaging in various philanthropic activities and cultural events. For any specific inquiries, you can also reach out to our national office directly through the contact information provided on the website.