United Way of Northern California mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive.

Together, let’s build a North State where every person can reach their full potential.

Nine NorCal Counties

United Way of Northern California connects communities, provides hands-on services, and invests in local solutions to enhance life across nine Northern California counties: Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity.

A large group of diverse people gathered outdoors under a tree, smiling for the photo. Many are wearing colorful t-shirts with slogans like "LIVE UNITED" and "United Way." The background includes trees and a beige building.

Who We Are

As a trusted nonprofit and regional changemaker, United Way of Northern California empowers individuals and families to reach their full potential.

True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our communities, United Way is there. We bring a comprehensive approach to every challenge, actively listening and responding to local needs.

We are your local United Way: a part of the global United Way network, but deeply connected to the needs of our counties in Northern California. As a part of the worldwide network, our reach across tens of thousands of communities means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve lives around the world.

Our branch is led by our own Board of Directors from across our 9 counties, who ensure that fundraising and spending decisions reflect the unique priorities of our communities.

Five men standing together indoors in front of a brick wall, smiling for a group photo. There are framed pictures on the wall behind them, one of a woman and another of a man. One man is wearing a black T-shirt that says 'Voices of the Golden Ghosts', and others are dressed in casual shirts and polo shirts.

MISSION

Our mission is to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community and to be there for the community and its residents during times of crisis.

A woman with long reddish-brown hair wearing a beige knit cardigan shaking hands with a man with long hair, a beard, and a striped shirt, wearing a hat, at a table with papers and pens. A man with a turban and a checkered shirt is sitting behind them, watching the handshake. Another person is partially visible on the right side of the image, seated at the table.

VISION

Our vision is to enhance the quality of life in our community by mobilizing the desire and capacity of people to care for one another.

Our Impact Areas

At United Way of Northern California, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. That’s why we run health-focused outreach programs, invest in mental health resources, connect individuals to recovery support, and promote equitable access to health information, ensuring people and their support systems have the resources they need to lead healthy lives.
United Way of Northern California connects young people to programs through 211 NorCal that make a lasting impact on their lives, helping them reach their full potential. By promoting 211 in schools, we link youth to teen programs, after-school activities, recreational opportunities, and more. Through our Building Bridges program, we also empower young people to find their voice and get involved in the civic life of their communities—helping them feel heard, make a difference, and build stronger connections where they live.

United Way of Northern California is committed to helping individuals and communities achieve lasting financial security. Through our VITA program, which offers free income tax assistance, we help individuals and families keep more of their hard-earned money. We also support people experiencing homelessness through efforts like the South Market Micro Shelter Community and our work with HMIS (Homeless Management Information System). These initiatives, made possible through local partnerships, are creating stronger financial futures across the North State.
Every community deserves the opportunity to prosper. At United Way of Northern California, we work with our neighbors to build resilient communities ready for any challenge. Our disaster relief, recovery, and preparedness efforts help communities respond to and recover from crises. Through civic engagement with our Building Bridges initiative and our equity and advocacy work—including support for grassroots groups through the North State Equity Fund—we’re strengthening the foundation of our region for a more sustainable and secure future for all. Guided by community voices and data-informed needs, we address today’s challenges to build a better tomorrow.

Nonprofit Standing

United Way of Northern California is a registered 501c3 nonprofit. We are committed to operating ethically and transparently in everything we do. Every dollar raised by UWNC is spent in our nine-county service area.