About Us

United Way starts at Square One.

School is Square One for ending family poverty. Through our Square One approach, we are working to end poverty for local families starting in school. We are facing a prolonged pandemic and housing crisis as well as deep roots of racial inequity. Through our Square One approach, we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion as we lay solid steppingstones on our path to help every family thrive.

Areas We Serve

United Way California Capital Region serves the counties of Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo. We are committed to helping families succeed, so their communities can too. 

Building stronger, healthier and more compassionate communities.

A Legacy of Convening

For nearly 100 years, United Way California Capital Region has brought local people together to make community change happen. Serving Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties, the local United Way is working to meet its commitment to significantly reduce poverty in the region by helping kids excel in school, investing in families and strengthening schools. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does United Way do? 

For 100 years, United Way California Capital Region has brought people together to fight poverty. We believe school is square one for ending family poverty. Through our Square One Approach, we help kids excel in school, invest in families, and strengthen our schools.  

Are you a chapter of the national organization? 

United Way Worldwide is the leadership and support organization for nearly 1,800 local United Ways in 40 countries, including United Way California Capital Region. We are a separately incorporated affiliate with a local CEO and Board of Directors. 

How can I help? 

We can’t do this work alone. We need more people to join our movement to help us end poverty in the Capital Region. Donate your resources, volunteer or time or join an action group to deepen your impact.  

Why should I give through United Way and not directly to my favorite nonprofit? 

By supporting a specific nonprofit through United Way, you are enabling that nonprofit to receive additional funds that they might not otherwise get. Most of our donors give through payroll deduction and often give more to a nonprofit since they’re giving a little each month. We also vet all nonprofits before passing on funds so you can be assured that you’re supporting a valid 501(c)(3) organization. 

How is United Way addressing racial inequality in our region? 

United Way is committed to playing a significant role in the reduction of poverty, educational inequity and any disparity that may prevent individuals and families from reaching their highest educational or economic potential.  

How does United Way support labor unions? 

Organized labor and working families are important to your local United Way and we have a long partnership with local labor organizations. We employ a Labor Liaison who works directly with labor to support community outreach, volunteerism, special events and workplace giving.  

How can my nonprofit get more involved with United Way?

Become a certified nonprofit and receive many benefits including marketing on our website and inclusion in our annual workplace campaigns with more than 300 local companies and 250,000 state employees. United Way often hosts volunteer monthly volunteer opportunities with certified nonprofits, and certified nonprofits are included in our Nonprofit Outreach Program where we connect you directly with employees within our workplace giving campaigns to help solicit donations. 

Which local companies support United Way California Capital Region? 

More than 300 local private and public sector companies and organizations support us through workplace giving campaigns. Top corporate donors include SMUD, UPS, Health Net and Costco.  

Does United Way charge a fee for giving to the nonprofit of my choice? 

We deduct a small amount (usually about 15%) of each donation to collect and direct designated gifts. 

What is United Way’s overhead? 

Our current overhead is 15.8%. We are well within the range organizations like the Better Business Bureau say is acceptable.