United Way of Whatcom County opens doors and removes barriers for our friends and neighbors experiencing financial hardship
We know that financial instability is a complex issue that requires multiple solutions. By uniting a network of local businesses, nonprofits, stakeholders, and generous donors, we help our friends and neighbors who are struggling achieve financial stability and ensure that critical services in our community remain available for years to come!
OUR IMPACT
dollars invested into our community since 2020
local nonprofit agencies/programs currently receiving united way funding
Local children currently receiving books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
lives being impacted by united way of Whatcom County each year
UNITED FOR EQUITY
Equity is the intentional inclusion of everyone in society. Equity is achieved when systemic, institutional, and historical barriers based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and other identities are dismantled and no longer predict socioeconomic, education and health outcomes.
UNITED AGAINST RACISM
We recognize that structural racism and other forms of oppression have contributed to persistent disparities which United Way seeks to dismantle. Our United Way network strives to engage community members, especially those whose voices have traditionally been marginalized.
We work with individuals, nonprofits, public and private partners to find and support solutions to ensure everyone has the resources, opportunities and networks they need to thrive. At United Way of Whatcom County, we oppose all forms of racism and discrimination and commit to leveraging our assets (convening, strategic investments, awareness building, and advocacy) to create more equitable communities.
Achieving a Dream
Karina dreamed of going to college, but lacked the roadmap to get there. Using United Way-funded services, Karina was able to achieve her dream, setting her on the road for success.
Gifts to United Way of Whatcom County help make stories like this happen every day. Karina’s is one of over 50,000 lives impacted by United Way funded services every year. When you give to United Way, you support over 20 local nonprofit agencies, helping ensure that every person in our community has the opportunity to thrive.
Achieving a Dream
Karina dreamed of going to college, but lacked the roadmap to get there. Using United Way-funded services, Karina was able to achieve her dream, setting her on the road for success.
Gifts to United Way of Whatcom County help make stories like this happen every day. Karina’s is one of over 50,000 lives impacted by United Way funded services every year. When you give to United Way, you support over 20 local nonprofit agencies, helping ensure that every person in our community has the opportunity to thrive.
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Impact Calculator
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books for kids
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Whatcom County children under 5 are eligble to receive one book monthly at no cost to families!
Read Our Blog
Workplace Giving Campaigns: It feels good to give back!
This time of year, you may hear us talking a lot about fundraising campaign season. But what exactly is a United Way campaign, and what does it mean for your workplace and our community? Today, we’re talking about community impact and corporate social responsibility. Our goal At United Way of
An Interview on ALICE with The Whatcom Report: Listen Now
Click here to access the full Whatcom Report interview United Way of Whatcom County President/CEO Kristi Birkeland and Director of Development and Community Impact Patty Boyce sat down with Guy Occhiogrosso of the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce for a discussion about ALICE in our community. ALICE stands for Asset…
Agency Spotlight: Communities In Schools
United Way of Whatcom County has always helped fund solutions to our community’s toughest challenges. Currently, we fund 25 local nonprofit agencies, including Communities In Schools. By funding a diverse range of organizations and services, we help to remove barriers to financial stability and create opportunities for every person in
Agency Spotlight: Whatcom Center for Early Learning
United Way of Whatcom County supports a variety of nonprofits throughout our community, all working to meet basic needs, increase economic mobility, and break the cycle of poverty. Our work supports critical services, making sure every person in our community has access to the support they need to overcome barriers
United In Purpose: A Conference and a Credo
Ever have one of those days when everything just feels like too much? Like you’ll never get where you want to go, accomplish the things you want to do, or even feel like you’re making a difference? In the nonprofit world, these days definitely happen. Days when the problems seem
Agency Spotlight: Northwest Youth Services
United Way of Whatcom County partners with local nonprofit organizations to help our struggling friends and neighbors find stability. This month we highlight one of our fabulous partner agencies, Northwest Youth Services. Did you know that over a fifth of the homeless population in Whatcom County is under the age
Agency Spotlight: Brigid Collins Family Support Center
For some of us, memories of childhood are blissful and happy. For others, the things we experienced in childhood can be extremely traumatic and can take a lifetime to overcome. According to the CDC, at least 1 in 7 children in the United States have experienced abuse or neglect in
United We Grow: Discrimination in Finance Educational Series
Register here. At United Way of Whatcom County, our main goal as an organization is to lift everyone in our community to a place of financial stability. Our network encompasses a wide range of programs and services, from meal programs to affordable housing services, substance abuse programs, and more. Between
3 Alternative Giving Channels with FreeWill
At United Way of Whatcom County, we love keeping our fantastic donors (that means you!) up to date with the latest available giving channels to support the life-changing work we do. While workplace campaigns, sponsorships, and cash donations make up a large bulk of the funds we receive, there are
United Way 2022-23 Community Impact Grants
United Way of Whatcom County supports a network of local agencies providing life changing services to over 50,000 people every year. From access to basic needs like food and housing to vocational training, childcare, mental health services, and a variety of programs designed to increase economic mobility and break the
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United, we ensure that every person in Whatcom County has a roof overhead and food on the table. United, we help our friends and neighbors gain job skills and increase their earning potential. United, we remove barriers to financial stability of every person in our community.
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