United Way California Capital Region

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $6.7 million (2023)
• Average Grant Size: $61,800
• Grant Recipients: 108 organizations (2023)
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Geographic Focus: Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo counties

Contact Details

• Website: www.yourlocalunitedway.org
• Phone: (916) 368-3000
• Address: 10389 Old Placerville Road, Sacramento, CA 95827
• Partnership Inquiries: Sia Magadan, Director of Strategic Partnerships
• Email: [email protected] (payments), [email protected] (housing)

Overview

United Way California Capital Region (UWCCR) is a century-old community impact organization founded in 1923 that operates a unique hybrid model combining both direct service delivery and grant-making to partner nonprofits. With over $13.7 million in annual revenue and $14.5 million in assets, UWCCR distributed $6.7 million in grants to 108 nonprofit organizations in 2023 while also operating its own programs across five counties in the Sacramento region. Under the leadership of CEO Dr. Dawnté Early, who joined in 2021, the organization focuses on addressing systemic issues through their "Square One" approach to ending poverty. UWCCR recently received its largest-ever donation of $10 million from MacKenzie Scott, signaling strong confidence in their community impact model.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Community Investment Grants: Average $61,800 per award (distributed to 108 partners in 2023)
• Workplace Giving Designations: Direct employee donations to any qualified 501(c)(3) registered with GuideStar
• e-CImpact Partner Funding: Online application system for partner agencies seeking funding

Priority Areas

United Way California Capital Region focuses on Four Pillars:

1. Healthy Community: Improving health and well-being for all community members
2. Youth Opportunity: Supporting educational success and youth development
3. Financial Security: Building family financial stability and strength
4. Community Resiliency: Addressing urgent community needs and crisis response

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented, but funding appears limited to:

• Organizations serving Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo counties
• Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing with California Registry of Charitable Trusts
• Programs aligned with their Four Pillars strategy

Governance and Leadership

CEO: Dr. Dawnté Early, PhD, MS (since Fall 2021) - Former Sacramento City Councilmember and UC Davis Medical Center Board Chair

Board: 29 volunteer board members from local business and community sectors

Key Staff:

• Sia Magadan, Director of Strategic Partnerships (primary contact for partnership inquiries)

The organization maintains strong community connections with leadership emphasizing collaborative approaches to addressing systemic poverty issues through their Square One initiative.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

United Way California Capital Region uses an invitation-based partnership model rather than an open application process. Partner agencies submit funding proposals through their e-CImpact online system. Organizations interested in partnership should contact Sia Magadan, Director of Strategic Partnerships.

For workplace giving designations, any 501(c)(3) nonprofit in good standing with the California Registry of Charitable Trusts can now receive donations through UWCCR's workplace campaigns via GuideStar integration - no separate certification required.

Getting on Their Radar

• Establish contact with Sia Magadan, Director of Strategic Partnerships
• Ensure your organization is registered with GuideStar for workplace giving eligibility
• Align programs clearly with one or more of their Four Pillars
• Demonstrate impact in their five-county service area

Decision Timeline

Specific timelines for funding decisions are not publicly available.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed, though the organization funded 108 out of an unknown number of applicants in 2023.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies is not publicly available.

Application Success Factors

Based on UWCCR's funding patterns and strategic priorities:

• Geographic Alignment: Organizations must serve residents in Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, or Yolo counties
• Strategic Fit: Programs should clearly align with at least one of the Four Pillars
• Systems Approach: UWCCR favors initiatives that address root causes rather than symptoms, fitting their Square One philosophy
• Collaborative Spirit: The organization values partnerships and collective impact approaches
• Measurable Outcomes: Partner agencies report through the e-CImpact system, suggesting emphasis on demonstrable results
• Good Standing: Must maintain compliance with California Registry of Charitable Trusts

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• UWCCR operates a hybrid model - they both make grants AND run direct service programs, so partnership proposals should complement rather than duplicate their existing initiatives
• With 108 funded partners averaging $61,800 per grant, they appear to favor broader reach over concentrated large grants
• The recent $10 million MacKenzie Scott donation may signal expanded grant-making capacity in coming years
• Their elimination of the nonprofit certification requirement for workplace giving shows commitment to reducing barriers for smaller nonprofits
• The e-CImpact system suggests they value data-driven approaches and outcome measurement
• Building a relationship with Director of Strategic Partnerships Sia Magadan appears essential for funding consideration
• Their Square One approach indicates preference for systemic solutions over band-aid fixes

References

• United Way California Capital Region Form 990 (2023) - ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer
• United Way California Capital Region Official Website (www.yourlocalunitedway.org) - Accessed February 6, 2026
• GuideStar Profile - United Way California Capital Region
• "United Way California Capital Region announces new leadership" - Press releases and organizational announcements
• Sacramento County funding announcements for Guaranteed Income Program (2023-2024)
• Sierra Health Foundation grant announcement (2023)
• MacKenzie Scott donation announcement and organizational response