F.A.Q.

United Way is the world’s largest philanthropic network, raising around $4 billion annually, with deep and enduring relationships across government, business, and nonprofit sectors. Its global mission is to fight for all community residents' education, income, and health. United Way Worldwide (UWW) headquarters for the movement is based in Alexandria, VA. UWW provides services and sets standards of operational excellence for local United Ways. UWW also works on broad national and international humanitarian issues.

United Way is engaged in nearly 1,100 communities across over 37 countries and territories and covers 95% of the United States.

Each local branch operates autonomously; the local Board of Directors decides how money is raised and spent in each community.

A volunteer Board of Directors governs UWNC. The current chair is Sonia Aery, owner of an Allstate Insurance agency in Chico. Larry Olmstead, President & CEO, leads the staff and reports to the Board.

If you live in Shasta, Tehama, or Siskiyou counties, call 2-1-1. If you live in another county we serve, contact us by filling out our UWNC Services form. You can also call us at (530)-241-7521.

UWNC runs its own programs, supports local and state programs, and distributes grants to other agencies whose programs align with our values. All services fall under our work in health, education, financial stability, housing, disaster work, and equity in the North State.

Visit our donate page to find out how to partner with UWNC to see positive change in your community.

Yes, to the extent allowed by law. UWNC is registered as a 501(c)(3) charitable entity by the Internal Revenue Service.

Our EIN for tax purposes is 94-1251675.

Donations are distributed throughout our departments to programs in our key areas of work and grants to nonprofits. Every dollar raised by UWNC is spent in our nine-county service area of Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity counties.

United Way encourages you to give as your conscience dictates. By giving to UWNC, you are assured that the money will be distributed locally to organizations vetted carefully by our staff and our volunteer Community Impact Committee.

Absolutely. Unless compelled by law, we will not share your information with anyone – United Way Worldwide, other United Ways, or other organizations. We will not sell lists of names to marketing vendors or anyone else. Our files are kept secure internally under strict protocols.

Our Board of Directors approves grant disbursements based on recommendations from the Community Impact Committee, which is composed of volunteers from across different sectors who are highly respected for their community involvement. UWNC prefers organizations offering programs aligned with health, education, financial stability, equity, disaster, and other stated priorities of UWNC. Organizations must match other criteria, including a track record of successful program implementation.

Grant cycles vary. Visit the United for Equity page to find out more information about NSEF’s next grant cycle, or fill out the NSEF interest form here.

Yes! We encourage everyone to get involved and make a difference in their community. Contact volunteer@norcalunitedway.org to get connected.

If a wildfire impacted you, start here. If another disaster impacted you, contact your County Office of Emergency Management.

Yes! For event sponsorship inquiries, contact Rebecca Baer, Chief Development Officer, at rbaer@norcalunitedway.org.