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
A hot meal. A warm shower. A cozy blanket on a cold night. See the real-life impact of your donation!
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
New Data Shows ALICE on the Rise in Whatcom County
As we go through our 2025 grant allocation process, we’ve heard from nearly 30 nonprofits requesting United Way funding to help them achieve their missions and provide a wide range of critical services in our community. These amazing organizations are not only providing basic needs like food and housing, they…
Federal Funding and Local Nonprofits: What’s the Deal?
By Kristi Birkeland, President/CEO, United Way of Whatcom County As someone who has worked in the nonprofit sector off and on since 2009, I know the stress and uncertainty so many agencies face as they constantly work to secure and maintain funding for the critical programs we trust and rely…
A Letter to the Unknown Donor
We recently received a beautiful, unexpected gift of $10,000. It came directly from an investment company, with instructions to use the funds “where they are needed most.” The gift notification arrived at the end of a hectic week, when once again, I was feeling the pressures of skyrocketing community needs,…
A full circle story! United Way and early learning.
You may have seen this super sweet video featuring a local family that receives books in the mail from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Not only does it illustrate the benefits of this early learning program, it clearly shows the happiness it brings to so many local kids. We love being…
United is the Way We Advocate for Our Communities
Championing Critical Services and Advocating for ALICE United Way of Whatcom County staff recently joined United Ways from around the state in Olympia, meeting with legislators to advocate for critical services in Whatcom County and beyond. Key topics included help for ALICE families and support for critical early learning programs.…
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…
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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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