Join our FREE school readiness program, starting this June, to help prepare your incoming kindergartener with the tools they need to be successful!

Our United in Purpose Gala presented by Health Net took place on Saturday, April 5, 2025 and raised over $507,000 towards United Way California Capital Region’s 100th Anniversary Goal to raise $3 million by the end of 2025 to help 10,000 kids excel in school.

It’s because of the generosity of individuals like you that we’ve been able to enrich, expand, and strengthen key educational programs that are changing lives across our region.

Special thanks again to the families and students who shared their stories with us and made the evening so special! And of course, huge thanks to all of our sponsors for this event, including our presenting sponsor, Health Net. 

Looking for Photos? Photos can be found and downloaded on the United Way California Capital Region Flickr page by clicking here.

Representation isn’t just important; it’s necessary.

This Black History Month, we celebrate the beauty, strength, and power of Black excellence. Click here or on the video below to hear from local Black leaders on what this means to them.
 
Black voices weave a narrative of resilience, strength, and determination. United Way California Capital Region stands to uplift and amplify the voices of those who have been marginalized for far too long. Join us in this collective effort to build bridges, break barriers, and shape a future that is truly united for change.

At our United Way Kids Read events in February, community leaders, volunteers, United Way staff, and board members joined forces to read to K-3rd graders and gift them books by local authors to take home.

In total, we distributed over 1,500 books in the Woodland Joint Unified School District!

Research shows that early literacy experiences are crucial, with children who are read to frequently developing stronger language skills and being more likely to excel in school. In fact, children who are proficient readers by the end of third grade are 4x more likely to graduate high school on time.

A heartfelt thank you to the Yolo County Office of Education (YCOE) board, Woodland City Council, volunteers, and our United Way board members and dedicated staff for making this possible.

We had an amazing time at our Season of Giving Holiday Market Toy Distribution event yesterday! Thanks to your generosity, we provided 1763 gifts worth $56,445 to our community!

Seeing the smiles and joy on everyone’s faces was truly heartwarming. Thank you for making this holiday season so special for so many.

A big shoutout to our sponsors: In-Shape Family Fitness, Del Rio & Caraway, P.C., and Kids Care Dental & Orthodontics, CBS13/KMAX31 for their incredible support!

Our President & CEO, Dr. Dawnté Early recently sat down with David Lichtman, president and publisher of the Sacramento Business Journal, to highlight the organization’s evolution into a leading, innovative nonprofit whose direct services are tackling some of Sacramento’s most pressing challenges.

Their conversation sheds light on how United Way has become integral to the community, driving impactful change and addressing critical issues like housing, education and public health. United Way’s work in the greater Sacramento Area is designed to empower families and break the cycle of poverty.

This dialogue underscores United Way’s commitment to being a key mobilizer between nonprofit, business and government, working collaboratively to create lasting solutions and ensure all Sacramento residents can thrive.

We know what you’re thinking…

You may think you know United Way as that national organization that disperses funds to nonprofits, but locally here in the Greater Sacramento Area, we are cutting edge with our own innovative direct service programs.

Our mission?

United Way Mobilizes Our Community
to Action so All Can Thrive.

It truly speaks to who we are and what we do.

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. Our reach across our communities means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve lives around the Capital Region.  

From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working towards a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential.

Some of the things we do include:

And that’s just a taste of what we do! We encourage you to comb through our programs and learn all about how our local United Way is changing the way help is delivered to those in the Capital Region who need it most, and it might be changing the way you think about what and who United Way is!

United is the Way we can make strides to ensure everyone in our community can thrive.

Join us by getting involved! Donate to our programs, partner with us and/or volunteer your time and talents.

We thank you, and our community does too!

At our recent Women United event, United Way gathered together to host our very first podcast featuring Viviana Paez from Univision Sacramento Channel 19, Anh Phoong from Phoong Law, Shawna Chrisman from Destination Aesthetics, Deja and Jaliyah who are participants in United Way’s Collegiate Guaranteed Income Program and our own president & CEO, Dr. Dawnté Early.

We discussed women in philanthropy and how the future of philanthropy will be impacted by women while also delving into personal backgrounds and stories about how zip codes affect opportunities you are afforded and some of the adversity facing former foster youth who look to pursue degrees at university.

Inspired by what you hear? Consider becoming a member of Women United! With memberships as low as $500/year, the money raised through memberships and by the incredible women of this affinity group will support former foster youth in the Collegiate Guaranteed Income Program.

Thank you again to our sponsors, Univision Sacramento Channel 19 and UC Davis Health!

The Our Promise: California State Employees Charitable Campaign is an annual United Way Campaign that allows state employees across California to support the nonprofit causes they are passionate about through payroll giving or one-time donations.

Last year, $4.2 million was raised to support 2,500 nonprofits nationwide and with the campaign in full swing until the end of December, now’s the time for state employees and retirees to make their pledge.

If you are, or know a state employee, here’s how you can give!

Are you a retired state employee or soon to be retired? Well first off…congratulations and thank you for your service!

Second, if you were enrolled in an Our Promise gift while working through the state, once you retire it WILL NOT roll over.

Thanks to our partnership with CalPers, you can continue to contribute to the nonprofit of your choice via payroll deduction through your retirement check! It’s an easy way to continue your monthly donations to nonprofits that rely on your support.

If you’re a retiree, click here to setup your monthly gift.

Still have questions? Learn more about Our Promise by clicking here, or contact our Donor Services Hotline at (888) 863-6466 or email OurPromiseCa@uwccr.org.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Green Ambitions program, a collaborative initiative by United Way California Capital Region, The Center at Sierra Health Foundation, My Brother’s Keeper Sacramento, and Green Tech Education. This groundbreaking program aims to provide youth of color from the Sacramento region with invaluable access to green jobs and infrastructure.

Program Highlights

One of the standout features of the Green Ambitions program is the construction of an electric vehicle charging station in South Sacramento. This project not only promotes sustainable transportation but also provides hands-on experience in green technology for the participating youth.

Funding and Support

The Green Ambitions program is made possible through Community Project Funding secured by Congresswoman Doris Matsui and a generous grant from the NBA Foundation. The program will be managed by United Way and The Center, with implementation by Green Tech and The Center’s My Brother’s Keeper program.

Get Involved

Applications for the Green Ambitions program are now open and will be accepted through Thursday, September 19. If you or someone you know is interested in this incredible opportunity, please visit uwccr.org/greenambitionsapp to apply.

Join us in empowering the next generation of leaders in green technology and infrastructure. Together, we can build a more sustainable and equitable future for all.