F.A.Q.

United Way is a Global Network for Community Action. It was founded on October 16, 1887, in Denver, Colorado, by a woman, a priest, two ministers, and a rabbi who came together with a simple goal: to make their community a better place for everyone through cooperative action. 

More than 135 years later – true to our founding spirit – whenever there is a need in our communities, United Way is there. Like our founders, we take a cooperative approach to tackling the toughest challenges, actively listening and responding to local needs through the power of partnerships and collective action. And today, our reach across tens of thousands of communities means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve lives around the world.

United Way of Northern California (UWNC) is your local United Way branch, directed by a local Board and serving nine NorCal counties: Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama & Trinity. 

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

If you live in Shasta, Tehama, Siskiyou, or Plumas 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.

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, including local resilience, health, youth opportunity, and financial security, as well as 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.

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 local resilience, health, youth opportunity, financial security, 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 Kayla Rushing, Donor Engagement Specialist, at krushing@norcalunitedway.org.