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Orange Countys United Way

EIN 33-0047994 · Irvine, CA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

TO IMPROVE LIVES IN ORANGE COUNTY BY DELIVERING MEASURABLE LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS TO COMPLEX ISSUES IN EDUCATION, FINANCIAL STABILITY, AND HOUSING. ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY (ocuw) IS COMMITTED TO BREAKING BARRIERS AND IMPROVING LIVES FOR EVERYONE WHO LIVES HERE. THOUGH OUR KEY INITIATIVES - UNITED FOR STUDENT SUCCESS, UNITED FOR FINANCIAL SECURITY, AND UNITED TO END HOMELESSNESS - WE ARE WORKING TO ENSURE LOCAL STUDENTS SUCCEED, OC FAMILIES GAIN FINANCIAL SECURITY, AND OUR UNHOUSED NEIGHBORS FIND A PLACE TO CALL HOME. WE ALSO OFFER VITAL SUPPORT VIA 2-1-1 ORANGE COUNTY (211OC) OUR KEY SERVICE THAT CONNECTS THOUSANDS OF RESIDENTS WITH HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE RESOURCES. TO LEARN MORE OR DISCOVER HOW YOU CAN HELP, VISIT UNITEDWAYOC.ORG OCUW IS A STANDALON, INDEPENDENT 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION.

Income
$36.6 million
Spending
$31.2 million
Spent on programs
85%
Reserves
10.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 71%
Employees
161
Volunteers
9,241
Highest pay
$473,510, president, ceo

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 57% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 10.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 14% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 15% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 36% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    85% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 8 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 37% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $10m to $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    46 of 47 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)
  1. $15.9 million spent. ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY IS COMMITTED TO ENSURING LOCAL STUDENTS SUCCEED, OC FAMILIES GAIN FINANCIAL SECURITY, OUR UNHOUSED NEIGHBORS FIND A PLACE TO CALL HOME, AND EVERYONE GETS CONNECTED TO THE ASSISTANCE THEY NEED. WE SERVE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF OUR RESIDENTS BY DELIVERING CRUCIAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES DIRECTLY TO OUR COMMUNITIES. OUR UNIQUE APPROACH COMES FROM AN UNDERSTANDING THAT ORANGE COUNTY'S MOST CRITICAL ISSUES ARE INTER-RELATED, AND WE MUST TACKLE THEM IN AN INTERCONNECTED WAY TO PROVIDE LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS THAT BREAK THE CYCLE. THIS INFORMS THE WORK WE FOCUS ON THROUGH OUR KEY INITIATIVES AND KEY SERVICE: UNITED FOR STUDENT SUCCESS AIMS TO ENSURE LOCAL STUDENTS RECEIVE THE SUPPORT THEY NEED TO STAY ON TRACK IN SCHOOL AND GRADUATE ON TIME READY FOR COLLEGE, CAREER, AND LIFE. PROGRAM OFFERINGS: . DESTINATION GRADUATION AIMS TO INCREASE THE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATE BY HELPING BOTH STUDENTS AND PARENTS UNDERSTAND THAT HIGHER EDUCATION IS ATTAINABLE AND ACCESSIBLE, REGARDLESS OF BACKGROUND. OFFERINGS INCLUDE EXCITING COLLEGE AND CAREER EXPLORATION, FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES, COLLEGE FIELD TRIPS, APPLICATION SUPPORT, LEADERSHIP SKILLS, AND MORE. . YOUTH CAREER CONNECTIONS OFFERS WORK-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES THAT INFUSE CLASSROOM CURRICULUMS WITH REAL-WORLD CAREER EXPERIENCES BY CONNECTING STUDENTS DIRECTLY TO LEADING LOCAL EMPLOYERS FOR HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES SUCH AS INDUSTRY SITE VISITS, INTERNSHIPS, AND MORE. . SENIOR YEAR MENTORSHIP PROGRAM HELPS MOTIVATED HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS FROM UNDERREPRESENTED DISTRICTS TO STAY ON TRACK AND GRADUATE ON TIME. MENTORING FROM LEADING PROFESSIONALS AND A ROBUST VIRTUAL WORKSHOP SERIES TEACH STUDENTS ESSENTIAL LIFE AND CAREER SKILLS TO POSITION THEM FOR FUTURE SUCCESS. UNITED TO END HOMELESSNESS IS COMMITTED TO ENDING HOMELESSNESS IN ORANGE COUNTY SO THAT EVERYONE HAS A SAFE AND AFFORDABLE PLACE TO CALL HOME AND OPPORTUNITIES TO THRIVE. THE GOAL IS TO ACTIVATE IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM HOUSING-FIRST SOLUTIONS ACROSS OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH COLLABORATION WITH THE COUNTY'S TOP BUSINESS, PHILANTHROPIC, GOVERNMENTAL, FAITH-BASED, AND NONPROFIT LEADERS. PROGRAMS: . WELCOMEHOMEOC IS OUR HOUSING NAVIGATION AND LANDLORD INCENTIVE PROGRAM, WHICH HELPS INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WHO ARE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS AND HOLDING A RENTAL ASSISTANCE VOUCHER TO SECURE HOUSING IN PRIVATE MARKET APARTMENTS AND ENSURES SUPPORTIVE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED SO THEY CAN REMAIN HOUSED FOR THE LONG-TERM. . WHATEVER IT TAKES IS A PROGRAM LAUNCHED WITH CALOPTIMA HEALTH FOR MEMBERS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING INSECURITY. THE PROGRAM EXPEDITES ACCESS TO FLEXIBLE FUNDS, INCENTIVIZES PROPERTY OWNERS, AND COORDINATES WITH 30+ COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS TO FIND POSITIVE RESOLUTIONS. . PUBLIC AWARENESS & EDUCATION: WE HOLD WORKSHOPS, HOST COMMUNITY CHATS, AND ENGAGE IN BROAD PUBLIC AWARENESS ACTIVITIES TO HELP BREAK DOWN MYTHS SURROUNDING HOMELESSNESS AND PROVIDE UP-TO-DATE STATISTICS AND BEST PRACTICES FOR SOLVING HOMELESSNESS IN ORANGE COUNTY. . HOUSING CHAMPIONS ADVOCACY NETWORK RECRUITS, TRAINS, ORGANIZES, AND EQUIPS LOCAL RESIDENTS TO ENGAGE IN ADVOCACY IN THEIR COMMUNITIES FOR SOLUTIONS TO END HOMELESSNESS. UNITED FOR FINANCIAL SECURITY EMPOWERS ORANGE COUNTY FAMILIES THROUGH PROGRAMS THAT FOCUS ON THE MOST ESSENTIAL TOOLS TO BUILD FINANCIAL STABILITY. PROGRAMS: . OC FREE TAX PREP HELPS FAMILIES KEEP THEIR HARD-EARNED MONEY BY SAVING ON PREPARATION FEES, CLAIMING TAX CREDITS, AND RECEIVING THEIR REFUNDS QUICKLY AND SAFELY, PROVIDING A SAFETY NET FOR LOCAL HOUSEHOLDS TO PUT TOWARD BILLS, CAR REPAIRS, GROCERIES, AND OTHER BASIC NEEDS. . SPARKPOINT OC PROMOTES FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT THROUGH FREE ONE-TO-ONE FINANCIAL COACHING TO INCREASE INCOME, MANAGE CREDIT, AND BUILD ASSETS THROUGH SAVINGS AND ASSET PLANNING TO REACH GOALS LIKE BUYING A HOME OR PAYING FOR COLLEGE. . UPSKILL OC, OUR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, IS AN INNOVATIVE, COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO BRIDGING THE SKILLS GAP IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES AND CREATING PATHWAYS TO JOBS THAT PAY A LIVING WAGE. IN JULY 2023, WE ADDED OUR KEY SERVICE, 2-1-1 ORANGE COUNTY (211OC) RECOGNIZED AS A CRITICAL LINK FOR CONNECTING RESIDENTS TO COMMUNITY RESOURCES. THROUGH 211OC, RESOURCES ARE BEING ALLOCATED MORE EQUITABLY, SERVICES CAN BE ACCESSED MORE EFFECTIVELY, AND UNMET NEEDS AND BARRIERS ARE BEING IDENTIFIED SO WE CAN APPROPRIATELY ADDRESS THEM. COMPONENTS: . HOTLINE: A FREE, CONFIDENTIAL, 24/7 HOTLINE PROVIDES IMMEDIATE CONNECTIONS TO HEALTHCARE, HOUSING ASSISTANCE, FOOD SUPPORT, AND MORE. CALLERS CAN REACH HELP ANYTIME VIA PHONE, TEXT, OR WEB SEARCH. . PARTNER NETWORK: THOUSANDS OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE PROVIDERS COLLABORATE THROUGH OUR COMMUNITY INFORMATION EXCHANGE (CIE), DELIVERING WHOLE-PERSON SUPPORT AND ENSURING INDIVIDUALS AREN'T RETRAUMATIZED BY RETELLING THEIR STORIES. THIS ALLOWS FOR COMPASSIONATE, COORDINATED CARE. CURRENTLY, 211OC CONNECTS PEOPLE IN OC WITH 3,000+ SOCIAL SERVICES PROGRAMS. . COMMUNITY DATA AND INSIGHTS: THROUGH THE HOTLINE, PARTNER NETWORK, CIE, AND THE HOMELESS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM (HMIS), 211OC COLLECTS VITAL DATA THAT REVEALS COMMUNITY NEEDS AND SERVICE GAPS.
  2. $6.4 million spent. PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSE ALLOCATIONS ARE COMPRISED OF COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES THAT FULFILL ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY'S MISSION. IN ADDITION TO RUNNING OUR OWN INITIATIVES, THIS INCLUDES PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY WIDE COLLABORATIVES. OCUW PROVIDES EVALUATION AND MONITORING OF ALL GRANT PARTNERSHIPS; SUPPORT OF CRITICAL COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS; LEADERSHIP AND PARTICIPATION IN COALITIONS AND COMMITTEES; COMMUNITY OUTREACH EFFORTS; CAPACITY TRAINING FOR FUNDED PARTNERS; VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT EFFORTS; AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL FUNDER COLLABORATIVES IN THE AREAS OF EDUCATION, INCOME, AND HOUSING.
  3. $4.3 million spent. THROUGH OCUW'S DONOR DESIGNATED GIVING PROGRAM, DONORS HAVE THE OPTION TO DESIGNATE THEIR GIFT TO THEIR CHARITY(IES) OF CHOICE, HELPING TO FACILITATE PHILANTHROPY TO MEET LOCAL COMMUNITY NEEDS. OCUW STEWARDS THESE INVESTMENTS BY ENSURING DONOR DESIGNATIONS ARE ALLOCATED TO ORGANIZATIONS THAT QUALIFY AS 501(C)(3) TAX DEDUCTIBLE ORGANIZATIONS UNDER CURRENT IRS TAX CODE LAW.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since November 1985.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.