Our Mission

United Way of Snohomish County brings people, resources, and strategy together to improve lives—so every family can reach their fullest potential, now and for generations to come, regardless of race, place, or ability.

Since our founding as the Everett Community Chest in 1941, we have worked to coordinate charitable giving and direct resources where they are needed most across our community. Today, that work has evolved.

United Way is no longer just a fundraiser—we are a strategic community impact investor, partnering with local organizations and initiatives to advance equitable, community-led solutions.

United Way of Snohomish County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN 91-0565020.

Focus Areas & Investment Strategy

We invest in four core focus areas—Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Community, and Community Resilience— to remove systemic barriers and expand access to opportunity across our community. These investments stabilize households, strengthen local systems, and help families move from surviving to thriving.
 

GREATEST NEEDS FUND

Flexible support that allows United Way to respond where it matters most.

The Greatest Needs Fund provides United Way with the flexibility to invest in the most urgent and emerging needs across Snohomish County—across all four focus areas. This approach ensures resources can be deployed quickly and strategically to support ALICE households as challenges evolve.

Why It Matters:

• Responds in real time to changing community needs
• Supports underfunded or emerging priorities
• Maximizes impact across all focus areas
   

YOUTH OPPORTUNITY

Ensuring children and young people have the foundation to succeed in school and in life.

United Way invests in early learning, literacy, and youth development to support children from early childhood through college and career readiness—particularly those in ALICE households.

Key Initiatives Include:

• Early Literacy & School Readiness
  Expanding access to books and early learning resources through programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and kindergarten transition supports 
   
• Youth Engagement & Development
  The Varsity Letter in Community Service (VLCS) program, recognizing and encouraging student leadership, volunteerism, and real-world skill-building

Impact Focus:

Stronger early literacy, increased school readiness, and youth equipped with the skills and experiences needed for long-term success

FINANCIAL SECURITY

Helping families move from financial stress to financial stability.

ALICE households often face ongoing financial instability despite steady employment. United Way works to increase financial resilience by expanding access to tools, resources, and systems that support long-term stability.

Key Strategies Include:

• Financial Literacy & Capability
  Providing education and tools to support informed financial decision-making 
   
• Income Supports & Tax Assistance
  Connecting families to free tax preparation and maximizing access to refundable tax credits 
   
• Access to Safe Financial Systems
  Reducing reliance on predatory financial services by connecting households to safe, affordable banking options

Impact Focus:

Increased household stability, reduced financial vulnerability, and improved access to wealth-building opportunities
 

COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

Building a community that can respond to challenges and recover stronger.

United Way strengthens the region’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises—while coordinating long-term recovery efforts that prioritize those most impacted.

Key Strategies Include:

• Disaster Relief & Long-Term Recovery
  Managing and deploying resources through the Disaster Relief Fund to support recovery efforts
   
• Convening & Coordination
  Leading and supporting long-term recovery groups and unmet needs tables to align partners and resources
   
• Collaborative Response Systems
  Working with local agencies and stakeholders to ensure efficient, equitable distribution of support

Impact Focus:

Faster recovery, stronger cross-sector coordination, and increased community-wide resilience
 

HEALTHY COMMUNITY

Ensuring access to basic needs, preventive care, and essential services.

United Way works to strengthen the local safety net and close critical service gaps so individuals and families can meet their basic needs and maintain overall well-being.

Key Strategies Include:

• Basic Needs & Safety-Net Support
  Investments in food access, healthcare access, and essential services 
   
• Community Gap Funding
  Flexible funding to address emerging needs and service deficits as they arise 
   
• Systems-Level Advocacy
  Advancing solutions that remove barriers to care and improve long-term community health 

Impact Focus:

Improved access to essential services, stronger safety-net systems, and healthier, more stable households