United Way of San Diego County

Uniting partners. Fueling passion.
Cultivating impact.

Mission

To spark breakthrough community action that elevates every child and family toward a brighter future. 

Vision

United Way envisions a vibrant community built on opportunity for everyone.

About United Way of San Diego County

At United Way of San Diego County (UWSD), we are your partner to ensure that all children, individuals, and families have the support they need to achieve educational success and financial security.

UWSD is committed to building a strong San Diego County by listening to the people in the distinct and vibrant communities that make up our region. As a trusted community leader, we continuously seek to understand where we can make the most meaningful impact. By collaborating with these communities, we harness the collective strength of our countywide partners — including schools, businesses, policymakers, nonprofits, and government entities.

Together, we work to scale our impact to urgently address the deeply rooted disparities in education and economic mobility. Specifically, we focus on closing gaps within our community by providing essential support in several key areas: early childhood literacy, middle and high school career readiness, and economic resources for individuals and families. By bridging these gaps, we aim to create access to opportunities that allow all San Diegans to thrive at every stage of life.

Our Core Values

At the heart of everything we do are three core values:

Unite:

We believe in the power of unity to bring about positive change. By bringing together diverse perspectives, talents, and resources, we can achieve far more than any one person or organization could accomplish alone.  

Passion:

We are fueled by passion for our mission and the people we serve. Our team is made up of individuals who are deeply committed to making a difference and who approach their work with enthusiasm, dedication, and compassion. Through our work, we strive to ignite that same passion in others who wish to make a profound impact on our community. 

Impact:

We are results-driven and focused on creating meaningful, measurable impact in the community. We hold ourselves accountable for achieving real outcomes that improve lives and create lasting change. 

History

For over a century, we have been dedicated to fostering community action that uplifts every child, individual, and family toward a better future. In 1929, the Community Chest, originally the fundraising division of the CWC, became independent and grew significantly during World War II, leading to the consolidation of several Community Chests in 1957 and the formation of United Way of San Diego County in 1973. Today, we continue to display our commitment to addressing institutional inequalities through economic and educational initiatives that ensure San Diegans can thrive at every stage of life.

UWSD Leadership

Our leadership fosters vision, empowers teams, and drives positive social change with passion and purpose.

Meet Our Leaders

Board of Directors

Our board of directors provides strategic direction, ensures organizational integrity, and aligns UWSD’s work with our mission.

View Our Board

Join Our Team

Are you passionate about bringing communities together, dedicated to driving social change, and eager to make a real difference?

By joining UWSD, you will be part of a movement committed to creating lasting positive change for children, individuals, and families across San Diego County.

Discover our current job openings and start your journey with us today!

Explore Opportunities

Make an Impact Today

Donate today to create a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of San Diegans throughout the county. Whether you choose to make a one-time contribution or become a monthly donor, your generosity drives our mission to close gaps in our community through economic mobility and education initiatives.