Who We Are

Belief Statement: We believe the caring power of community can provide everyone the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Founded in 1959 in Grand Junction, Colorado, United Way of Mesa County (UWMC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that raises money from the community to fund local programs that address community concerns.

Local Impact

  • Sixty-three years serving Mesa County. Programs funded by UWMC currently serve about 50,000 people in Mesa County.

  • UWMC funds programs provided by health and human service agencies in Mesa County. This year, we are funding 43 programs at 33 different local nonprofit agencies. The programs address a variety of social problems focused on:

    • Health – People are connected to regular, quality health services

    • Education – All children enter school ready to learn and more students will be reading at grade level by 4th grade

    • Self-Reliance – Basic needs are met in times of crisis so that people can remain independent

More than a Fundraising Organization

Did you know UWMC hosts the Mesa County Imagination Library? The Mesa County Imagination Library is a free book program that provides children under the age of five, living in Mesa County, the opportunity to register to receive a brand new, age specific book every single month until their 5th Birthday. The books are mailed straight to the child at no cost to the family.


UWMC administers grants, runs a centralized volunteer hub, and much more. Learn more about our widespread IMPACT here

Community Governed

  • United Way of Mesa County facilitates community collaboration to insure the community’s needs are being addressed and provides education, information and referral to the community at large.

  • The Community Investment Process or “Deciding Where the Money Goes” – We feel the people who donate the money should be a part of giving it away. Between 60-80 volunteers, people like you, serve on our community investment panels each grant cycle. These panels review the grant applications from the agencies and make on-site visits to help determine which programs are most effective and efficient at delivering services our community needs.

  • UWMC is governed by a local Board of Directors. All funding and policy decisions are made locally. United Way Worldwide provides training, marketing support and help with national accounts.

How do we know the needs? From the results of community needs assessments, from Western Colorado 2-1-1 data, from community conversations, and from funded program data and outcomes.

How do we tackle the issues? Volunteers study the data and make investment decisions during our Community Investment Process. Every funded program is carefully evaluated throughout the year to make sure we’re achieving measurable outcomes. The annual campaign funds our work.

Click here for a list of programs that are currently being funded by United Way of Mesa County.

How to Help

Donate. Volunteer. Advocate.

There are many ways community members can support United Way of Mesa County. Join us to GIVE, ADVOCATE, VOLUNTEER and spread the word about our work.
Giving is a choice. We do not support coercion – giving is a personal matter and decision.