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.

Join us in applauding our recent KinderCamp graduates at the Yolo Family Festival in Woodland and the inaugural West Sacramento KinderCamp event. Our KinderCamp program, dedicated to preparing children for kindergarten success, has marked another summer of growth and we couldn’t be more proud of our young learners. 

Special Thanks To Our Partners:
YMCA Superior California
Teichert Foundation
U.S. Bank
First 5 Yolo

Extended Gratitude To Our Esteemed Guests:
Garth Lewis, Superintendent, Yolo County Office of Education
Maria Arvizu-Espinoza, Associate Superintendent, Yolo County Office of Education
Vicky Fernandez, Council Member, Woodland City Council
Tom Stallard, Council Member, Woodland City Council
Elodia Ortega-Lampkin, Superintendent, Woodland Joint Unified School District
Ruth Miller, Board of Directors, United Way California Capital Region

Our Backpack Give Back Drive, in collaboration with Good Day Sacramento, was a huge success, raising over $55,000 for United Way California Capital Region, United Way of Stanislaus County and United Way of San Joaquin County to support local students!

And a very special thanks to a fantastic partnership with Phoong Law for the generous donation of school supplies, scantrons, and parking passes to some amazing students from the Sacramento State Guardian Scholars Program.

United Way’s Housing Navigation program utilizes your Medi-Cal membership (through California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal or CalAIM) to assist families and individuals with housing instability, deposit assistance and sustainability services.

Learn more about the program by clicking here.

Ten, former foster youth students from the greater Sacramento region who are current Sacramento State students will be participating in United Way’s newest program, the Collegiate Guaranteed Income Program, which gives each student $500 a month of guaranteed income for 12 months that began May 2.

The new program was announced at United Way’s United in Purpose Gala fundraiser on Saturday, April 20 to the surprise of the 10 students who were all in attendance. Take a look at how these students found out:

“Selecting Sacramento State as the pilot for this program was a natural choice, given the inspiring journey of Sac State president Dr. Luke Wood, from dealing with extreme life pressures as a foster youth to his recent appointment as the university’s ninth president. His story resonates deeply with the work United Way has been doing for decades,” said Dr. Dawnté Early, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “Earlier this year, Dr. Wood said his goal is for Sacramento State to have the largest enrollment of former foster youth in the country and be known for serving them. That commitment aligns with our longtime pledge to support foster youth in and out of the classroom. Together with Dr. Wood, United Way’s aim is to create an environment where these students can focus more on their studies and less on basic needs like housing, food and transportation.”

On Thursday, May 2, all of the 10 participants received their first round of payments as the program was launched at a press conference with Dr. Early and Dr. Wood.

This program is funded completely by our Women United donor group, who have supported foster youth initiatives for over two decades. The program will also be evaluated by Professor Ethan Evans and his team at Sacramento State, who have evaluated other Guaranteed Income programs United Way has run in Sacramento.

You can support this program through your donations by clicking here, or by becoming a Women United member.

We’re pleased to announce that we have been awarded a $150,000 grant from Sierra Health Foundation’s Community Economic Mobilization Initiative (CEMI). This grant is a significant step toward creating accessible green job opportunities, addressing housing needs, and fostering economic equity within our region.

In addition to boosting green job initiatives, this grant will support our efforts to address the housing challenges prevalent in the Sacramento region. Our newly established Community Support Services department, in collaboration with the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal program, will provide crucial housing navigation services to individuals facing housing instability.

The Community Economic Mobilization Initiative by The Center at Sierra Health Foundation works to empower and uplift community organizations through inclusive economic development in their communities, cities and regions. The initiative’s goal is to help strengthen the ability of underserved and BIPOC-led community organizations to leverage public investments to address economic disparities. We are joining 43 statewide partners in this initiative that has awarded $14 million toward community development and centering community in decisions.

We are very excited about this opportunity to partner with Sierra Health Foundation, and we invite you to join us on this journey as we work to build stronger, healthier, more compassionate communities. Learn more about how you can help…

As the year comes to a close we are proud to shine a spotlight on our December 2023 Corporate Community Champion, Delta Print Group, who have been incredible partners for over a decade in our efforts to end poverty in the Capital Region.

Delta Print Group stands out as our dedicated Print Sponsor for pivotal events such as our Women United Luncheons, the 100th Anniversary Gala, and Golf Tournaments. Their exceptional work in crafting event materials and printing for our annual campaigns has magnified our reach and impact in the community.

The collaborative spirit embodied by Kasey Cotulla, Eric Fields, and the entire Delta Print Group team exemplifies genuine community leadership.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Delta Print Group for their continuous generosity and steadfast support. Their partnership inspires us and strengthens our resolve to effect meaningful change.

We are excited to announce that Sacramento County Supervisors Phil Serna (District 1) and Patrick Kennedy, Vice Chair (District 2) have awarded an additional $500,000 each in funding from its American Rescue Plan dollars for the program, totaling $1,000,000. This, in addition to a generous donation from Sierra Health Foundation, will provide 130 new households with $500 in unconditional guaranteed income every month for one year.

Click here to learn more & submit your application for Guaranteed income 3.0! Applications can be submitted through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31. Payments will begin on January 1, 2024.

Help your community save money by becoming a Free Tax Preparation volunteer! Last year, the Free Tax Prep program helped 6,000+ families receive $8.8+ million in tax refunds. With your help, we will grow that number.

Click here to learn more & sign up now!