United Way invests in solutions for our kids, our families and our whole community. Below are details of where contributions are being invested from the 2006 revenue year.
![]() |
KIDS
FAMILIES
COMMUNITY
|
United Way's Local Community Fund
A gift directly to United Way's Local Community Fund is the most effective way to make a difference in people's lives right here in your community. It is these undesignated funds that support programs, services and initiatives in Snohomish County. That's why most United Way donors direct their contributions to the Local Community Fund (67% of total revenue).
United Way volunteers, working with professional staff, invest Local Community Fund dollars to meet immediate needs and to create long-term results. They assess community conditions to determine the greatest areas of need, study the underlying causes of those needs, and invest in programs and initiatives that make a measurable difference in people's lives.
The largest percentage of undesignated funds raised (36% of total revenue) is awarded in grants to over 93 programs run by local nonprofit organizations serving residents throughout the county. United Way also supports initiatives (14% of total revenue) it leads or is directly involved in such as:
- United Way's Volunteer Center to support nonprofit agencies and connect volunteers to
- United Way's Success By 6®, Born Learning and The Parent Place for infants, young children and parents
- Individual Development Accounts to help families save for a home, education or business
- The North Sound 2-1-1 telephone information line to connect people to community resources.
- A Free Income Tax Preparation project aimed at low-income working families who are eligible for federal refunds such as the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Programs and initiatives are chosen based on their effectiveness and our priorities for kids, families and community. You can also read more about United Way initiatives under projects and partners.
A complete list of investments can be found under funded programs.
Donor-designated Gifts
Donors may direct that their contribution be sent to a nonprofit of their choice. These designated gifts (33% of total revenue), are not monitored by United Way and are not reflected above.
Management and Fundraising
United Way of Snohomish County meets the highest standards of nonprofit management excellence as set by watchdog organizations such as the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance and American Institute of Philanthropy. 83% of revenue is returned to the community, 6.9% is fundraising costs, and 9.9% is management and operations.
More details and the complete 2006 audit may be found under financial information.
Related Links
- Where Your Contribution Goes
- Where the Money Comes From
- 2007 Audit
- The Volunteer Center
- Success By 6®
- Born Learning
- The Parent Place
- Individual Development Accounts
- 2-1-1
- FAQs

