UNITED WAY OF PIERCE COUNTY

Programs

1. Community Impact Program: In 2017 we made a bold goal to lift 15,000 household out of poverty by 2028. This takes a community wide effort of forming collaborations, agreeing on key measurements and tracking indicators with nonprofits, government, educators and businesses. 14,802 families have moved toward self-sufficency since we set this bold goal. Highlights in this area: Through grants from various collaborative partners, we offered Individual Development Accounts (IDA) which is a matched savings program where a participant builds assets for reliable transportation, education, debt reduction, start a business or steps towards home ownership. 184 individuals participated. The IDA program resulted in $1,318,908 of assets built. (source annual report). Our second cash assistance program served 190 families who received $500 a month for 12 months. Participants gained access to financial coaching, budgeting tools and workforce training. The impact goes beyond the numbers. Participants shared how the extra money allowed them to return to school, start a small business and spend more with their children. These are not just short-term gains-they are life-changing shifts that strengthen…

   $2,159,178 spent
   34% of program spending

2. Community impact grants of $680,000 were distributed to various nonprofit agencies providing programs that help reduce poverty in Pierce County Washington. Grants are reviewed by staff and volunteers before being submitted to the United Way Board for approval. Capacity grants of $502,750 were given to 6 community partners providing finance and job coaches for our Centers for Strong Families (CSF) model. Individuals improve their financial condition, get better jobs and access to benefits. 1,000 individuals were served via CSF. 152 increased their income, 164 increased their net worth and 151 improved their credit score. The organization also distributed other grants of $361,066 that were donor designated to poverty reduction activities and $42,850 of board designated funds for emerging community needs.

   $1,586,666 spentof which $1,586,666 as grants
   25% of program spending

3. 211 is a free and confidential service that connects people with critical resources helping to stabilize individuals in Pierce, Thurston and Lewis counties. 211 became part of a statewide system in October of 2025. As a result of that we formed Access Pierce serving Pierce County where navigators who are experts in the areas of transportation, behavioral health, basic food, housing and early learning assist individuals to fill needs. 3,365 calls were answered in the last quarter of 2025. An example of an individual being helped by this program: A pregnant 18-year-old student faced a housing crisis and United Way staff responded immediately securing emergency shelter and guiding her through the process of qualifying for a low-income apartment. This resulted in stable housing for both mother and child.

   $1,103,400 spent
   18% of program spending

4. Betye Martin Baker Human Service Center: Since 1995 our mission has been to offer other nonprofits significantly below market rent so they can put more money back into their missions. The service center is funded from tenant rents and capital campaign grants for major projects. Our aim is to have tenant rents 30% below market with the daycare at 70%. Reduced rents saved tenants approximately $343,327. Major upgrades in 2025 included the modernization of two elevators and adding disability access to the three entrances.

   $540,262 spent
   9% of program spending

5. Donor Voice Program provides donors the opportunity to designate their gift to other charities. All charities are verified as to their nonprofit status and compliance with the Patriot Act.

   $489,754 spent
   8% of program spending

6. Gifts in Kind: This program receives donations from companies and individuals and then gives those products out to other nonprofits to give to their low-income clients. United Way does not charge for this program. Examples of products received and distributed include diapers, gloves, paper products, small household appliances new and lightly used clothing and bedding. From time-to-time local entertainment venues donate tickets. Of the total program costs of $208,162, $117,578 were goods distributed to the community with the remaining $45,274 spent to run the program.

   $162,852 spent
   3% of program spending

7. Volunteer Engagement: United Way connects volunteers with other nonprofits. It also utilized volunteers in our own activities such as our MLK Day of Service, United Way Day of Action and our Summer reading and food program. We engaged 709 volunteers in 2,014 hours of service, including corporate teams that participated in MLK Month of Service, various Hygiene Kit projects and Summer of Action Snack Pack activities.

   $175,154 spent
   3% of program spending

8. United Way Worldwide Dues Program Support: Provides for educational opportunities, strategic direction, advocacy support and the concept of local community impact to assist our various program activities.

   $70,707 spent
   1% of program spending

The 8 programs described on its FY2025 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $6,287,973.