Nearly 38% of households in the Itasca area face financial hardship.
We envision a community where every child has the opportunity to thrive and every working family can achieve lasting stability. That’s why United Way of 1000 Lakes unites people and resources to build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient region—together.
Recurring Giving
Become a sustaining member
Make a lasting difference by becoming a monthly donor. Your ongoing support provides a steady foundation for programs and services that help local families thrive. Together, we can meet immediate needs while building a stronger, more resilient community for the future.
Workplace Giving
Give through your workplace
Give through your employer—make an impact with every paycheck. Donations are deducted before taxes, making this one of the easiest and most tax-efficient ways to give. Your contributions go further, helping more families in our community thrive.
Direct Giving
Make a direct credit card donation
Your gift to United Way creates solutions today and builds a brighter future for families and our community. Your generosity brings hope, stability, and opportunity. Give where it’s needed most—or choose to direct your gift to a specific impact program that matters to you.
Our Focus
We go beyond fundraising to create real, lasting change. United Way of 1000 Lakes meets immediate needs while tackling the root causes of community challenges through advocacy, strategic investments, and direct services. Grounded in listening and local insight, we’re building a future where today’s obstacles don’t limit tomorrow’s potential.
Build resilience by connecting families to early learning, afterschool, and summer programs while supporting parents in fostering healthy child development and stable homes.
1,378+ children were given the support they need to a strong start, while youth were equipped to reach their full potential through United Way-funded programs from January-June 2025.
Improve access to medical and dental care, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen social connectedness across all ages.
413+ individuals received health screenings and preventative services through United Way-funded programs from January-June 2025.
Empower households through education, job training, housing support, financial counseling, and essential services that promote long-term independence.
124+ young people and adults participated in financial literacy education, developed economic mobility, and built generational resilience from January-June 2025.
Ensuring no one faces hardship alone—connecting people to resources that help them overcome challenges, build brighter futures, and strengthen our community’s ability to respond to any crisis.
2,402 people were connected to resources and support for everyday and unexpected emergencies from January-June 2025.
Day of Action
Each June, Day of Action—our largest single-day volunteer event—mobilizes volunteers to complete projects that strengthen our community. From building playgrounds and painting schools to delivering home energy kits, volunteers make a lasting impact. Since 2013, 1,298 volunteers have contributed over 7,553 hours—an estimated $223,743 in service value.
Flavors of Our Community
The initiative helps families experiencing hunger access foods that reflect their culture and traditions. In 2025, it distributed 662 pounds of culturally familiar pantry items—such as rice noodles, sauces, spices, wild rice, and maple syrup—empowering families to prepare nutritious, comforting meals that celebrate heritage and foster belonging.
Home For Good
The Home for Good initiative supports family stability by providing essential household items like toothpaste, soap, and detergent. These supplies improve health and help stretch wages to cover other needs. In 2025, more than 51 families received baskets that eased financial strain and supported long-term housing security.
Volunteer Itasca!
United Way’s Volunteer Portal connects individuals and groups with meaningful service opportunities at local nonprofits. Since launching in 2020, it has strengthened volunteerism and community capacity. In 2025, 619 volunteer connections generated 1,439 hours across 52 organizations—linking people with causes that matter.
5-2-1-0 PlayStations
The 5-2-1-0 PlayStation initiative promotes healthy living by providing trunks filled with sports gear that inspire children to be active and play outdoors. PlayStations are located in six local parks and neighborhoods, offering free access to equipment that encourages movement, fun, and connection for families of all income levels.
Stuff the Bus
The Stuff the Bus initiative helps close educational gaps by ensuring every student has the tools needed to learn and thrive. In 2025, more than 436 students across 19 schools began the year ready to learn with backpacks filled with essential school supplies—helping build confidence, belonging, and brighter futures for local children.
IMPACT COLLABORATIONS
2-GEN Coalition
United Way’s 2-Gen Coalition unites 18 nonprofit and service partners each month to align strategies, share resources, and strengthen family-centered approaches such as Family-Centered Coaching. Through 2-Gen scholarships and collaboration, partners report stronger engagement and improved outcomes in education, well-being, and economic security for local families. Learn more
Dental Collaboration
The Dental Care Collaboration, led by United Way with Forward Health Foundation and 14 partners, works to close oral health gaps through education, expanded services, career pathways, and rural advocacy. In March 2025, a United Way-funded mobile clinic provided preventive and restorative care for uninsured and underinsured children ages 3–14. Learn more
United For ALICE
United for ALICE is a United Way initiative that sheds light on households that are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—families earning above the poverty level yet unable to afford basic needs like housing, food, child care, and health care. In Itasca County, 27% of households are ALICE, and 40% struggle to make ends meet when combined with poverty. Learn more
Volunteer Coordinators Network (VCN)
Rural communities rely on volunteers for over 60% of essential services, yet nonprofits face growing challenges in recruitment and retention. United Way leads the Volunteer Coordinator Network to connect managers, share strategies, and strengthen engagement. In 2025, 619 volunteer connections generated 1,439 service hours across 52 organizations. Learn more
*Total United Way program and collaboration investments for July 2023–June 2024: $112,764.
Community Impact Partners
Strong communities are built through collaboration, equity, and opportunity. United Way partners with local nonprofits that help people learn, grow, and regain stability. Your support provides critical funding for programs and partnerships that help families in our region get back on their feet and thrive.
Youth Opportunity
Boys & Girls Clubs of Leach Lake ($15,000)
Boys & Girls Clubs of Northland: Grand Rapids & Greenway Club ($40,000)
Itasca County Family YMCA: Child Care ($37,500)
Itasca Youth for Christ: Youth Center ($25,000)
Project Read: (FRED) Families Read Every Day ($18,750)
Healthy Community
Children Dental Services: Mobile Clinics ($9,000)
Itasca Area Schools Food Pantries ($30,000)
Mobility Mania: Accessibility For All ($2,000)
Project Care – Free Clinic ($30,000)
Family Financial Security
Boys & Girls Clubs of Northland: Career Launch/Money Matters program ($5,000)
Itasca County Habitat for Humanity ($37,500)
Scouting America – Northern Lights Council: Exploring Program ($2,000)
Smart North: Future is Feminine ($15,000)
Community Resiliency
Advocates for Family Peace ($25,000)
First Call / United Way 211 ($13,750)
Grace House Homeless Shelter ($25,000)
Support Within Reach ($25,000)
* 2022–2027 Investment Framework grant investments through December 2025 total $398,000.
YOUR ACTION MATTERS
A thriving community isn’t just an idea—it is something we build together. Now, more than ever, it’s our moment to stand in the gaps. Every gift, every hour, every action matters.
Video Series
Partner Spotlight
Our Proud Partner Spotlight Video Series takes you behind the scenes of the programs and organizations funded through United Way’s grants. See how your gifts fuel local solutions—helping families thrive, building stronger communities, and creating lasting change.