about uwswo
United Way of Southwestern Oregon was founded in 1961 to provide an organized way to address the unique needs of people living on the southern Oregon coast. United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in Coos and Curry Counties. We focus in these three areas because, together, they are the foundation of success for every child, every individual, every family, every community, and every economy. We know that health, education, and financial stability are interconnected and, when strategically addressed, conspire to create communities where all people thrive.
We are a local fundraiser and a local funder. The money we raise here, stays here, and serves this community. We strategically invest by funding programs administered by the local organizations that provide the best services in our three focus areas. We are a convener, bringing together community leaders, local governments, other funders, non-profits, and stakeholders, to collaborate and coordinate our efforts to effectively address our most complicated social issues.
give. advocate. volunteer.
United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in Coos and Curry Counties. Get involved in our fight for the health, education, financial stability, and resilience of every person in our Southwestern Oregon community.
diversity, equity, and Inclusion statement of principle
We take the broadest possible view of diversity. We value the visible and invisible qualities that make a person who they are. We welcome that every person brings a unique perspective and experience to advance our mission and progress our fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our Coos and Curry County communities. We believe that each United Way community member, donor, volunteer, advocate, and employee must have equal access to solving community problems. We strive to include diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at the center of our daily work. We commit to using these practices for our business and our communities. Join us in embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion for every person in every community.
ANTI-RACISM STATEMENT
We work to aid in the development of equitable systems that denounce all forms of racism, and any other form of discrimination, in our organization, our community, and our region.
What We’ve Achieved - RECENT stats
Distributing $35,000 to Coos and Curry County nonprofits and community organizations during our 2022 annual grantmaking program.
Distributing over $300,000 through our COVID-19 Emergency Relief fund (March 2020-February 2022).
Hosting South Coast Social Services Connect, a monthly community partner networking session that connects 40+ Coos and Curry organizations with information and resources to support our local community.
Raising over $300,000 to support youth in care and the resource (foster) families who support them through our Every Child Coos and Every Child Curry programs.
Providing fiscal sponsorships that have helped to raise over $750,000 in grant funding to support our south coast communities of color, LGBTQIA2S+ community, and residents experiencing pervasive issues of inequity.
Hosting a grant writing basics workshop for 80+ nonprofit and community organization leaders in Coos County and Curry County.
Providing quarterly opportunities for south coast residents to recognize local nonprofits, community organizations, and volunteers through our Growing Gratitude program.
Bringing back our annual Day of Caring to rally volunteers to help their neighbors needing a little assistance with basic yardwork.