There are 38 local, independent United Ways in California that collectively serve every county in the state.  Together we raise over 200 million dollars a year in charitable gifts to support our local initiatives that address important community issues.  We also make targeted investments of funds to critical health and human services in our communities to meet our goals. 

United Ways of California is our state association.  Our mission is to work together to build a stronger California by mobilizing our communities' public, private and non-profit sectors through research, civic engagement, public policy advocacy and results based funding to ensure a positive impact in our communities.

United Ways of California works with members of the state legislature, the administration and our Senate and Congress members, as well as constituents throughout the State, to achieve our shared goals for the people of California. 

Our public policy goals that will lead to the realization of our vision are to:

• Craft and advocate our public policy agenda within our United Ways and across California, to improve the lives of Californians. Our public policy agenda for FY 2008 includes: 
  • Covering California's Children - health coverage for all California children.
  • 2-1-1 (Information and referral number) - 2-1-1 service for all Californians.
  • Financial stability for all Californians
• Expand and diversify our shared fund development efforts so as to increase investments in our agenda and to better serve our shared investors.
• Share with each other our collective knowledge, information, skills and relationships so as to achieve excellence in all we do to fulfill our mission

For nearly a century, United Ways' history of building healthier communities in every county in California has fostered longstanding and productive partnerships with employers, employees, health and human service agencies, philanthropies, and all kinds of community groups.  All United Ways share a philosophical commitment to improving the quality of life at the community level and are active participants in community partnerships of all kinds.

Mission Statement:  United Ways of California seeks to build a stronger California by enhancing and coordinating the public policy efforts of California United Way organizations at the state and regional levels and improving the effectiveness of local United Ways.