United Way of the Columbia-Willamette
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is a 501(c)(3) public charity and federated fund based in Portland, Oregon. Established in 1952, the organization has operated for over 100 years working to meet the needs of vulnerable families across its region. The organization is classified under the NTEE code for Philanthropy, Voluntarism and Grantmaking Foundations.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$41.7M
+7.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$14.8M
+188.7% YoY
Grant Count
115
+57.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$129K
+83.3% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: Improve lives, strengthen communities and advance equity by mobilizing the caring power of people across the region.
Vision: A region where every person in every community is thriving.
Core Values: The organization emphasizes equity, intentionally centering racial equity in its work and recognizing that systemic change requires centering the voices of those most impacted by building inclusive relationships.
Primary Focus Areas:
- Early Learning (ages 0-6)
- Disaster & Crisis Resiliency
- Housing Stability
- Volunteerism
- Education and youth opportunity
- Financial security
The organization co-manages two regional Early Learning Hubs: Early Learning Multnomah (ELM) and Early Learning Washington County (ELWC). These hubs work to improve educational outcomes for Oregon's youngest children by bringing together early childhood educators, K-12 school districts, health and social service organizations, nonprofits, municipalities, and the private sector.
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette also manages the Albina Rockwood Promise Neighborhood Initiative (ARPNI), a U.S. Department of Education initiative.
Grantmaking
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette functions as a grantmaking organization with total giving of $16,981,823 according to recent IRS filings. Typical grant awards range from $5,050 to $1,765,475.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette serves:
- Clackamas County
- Clark County
- Multnomah County
- Washington County
- Deschutes County
- Jefferson County
- Crook County
- Lands of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
The organization also funds in Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $41,738,713
- Total Revenue: $25,287,950
- Total Expenses: $25,358,959
- Total Giving: $16,981,823
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $38.7M
- Total Revenue: $14.8M
- Total Expenses: $15.7M
- Total Liabilities: $3.91M
Staffing: The organization employs 63 staff members.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $41,738,713 | $38,688,784 | $37,900,645 |
| Revenue | $25,287,950 | $14,838,811 | $14,216,654 |
| Expenses | $25,358,959 | $15,727,353 | $15,063,891 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $1,471,852 | $703,297 | $1,276,517 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Central City Concern ($1,372,716), Do Good Multnomah ($903,388), Transition Projects Inc ($889,824).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Central City Concern Portland, OR | JOHS Grants Out | $1,372,716 |
| Do Good Multnomah Portland, OR | JOHS Grants Out | $903,388 |
| Transition Projects Inc Portland, OR | JOHS Grants Out | $889,824 |
| New Narrative Tigard, OR | JOHS Grants Out | $751,467 |
| Our Just Future Portland, OR | JOHS Grants Out | $420,496 |
| The Salvation Army a California Corporation Happy Valley, OR | JOHS Grants Out | $409,645 |
| Mental Health Association of Portland Portland, OR | JOHS Grants Out | $406,932 |
| New Avenues for Youth Portland, OR | JOHS Grants Out | $401,506 |
| All Good Northwest Portland, OR | JOHS Grants Out | $309,268 |
| YWCA of Greater Portland Portland, OR | JOHS Grants Out | $254,585 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isaac Cardona | Secretary | 1 | — |
| Mihir Patel | Vice-Chair | 1 | — |
| Kim Spaulding | Director | 1 | — |
| Pradeep Tempalli | Director | 1 | — |
| Deborah Dang | Treasurer | 1 | — |
| Ashlee Irwin | Director | 1 | — |
| Tichelle Sorensen | Chair | 1 | — |
| Yves Labissiere PhD | Director | 1 | — |
| Staci B Martin EdD | Director | 1 | — |
| Mari F McBurney | Director | 1 | — |
| Jose Luis Nava | Director | 1 | — |
| Mary Kay Sosa | Director | 1 | — |
| Susan Stearns MBA MA | Director | 1 | — |
| Jonathan Wells | Director | 1 | — |
| Kelly O'Lague | CEO | 50 | $290,261 |
| Kori Dye-Gregg | COO | 50 | $182,278 |
| Dahnesh Medora | Chief Impact Officer | 50 | $164,039 |
| Adrian McCarthy | VP - Marketing & Communication | 50 | $134,867 |
| Aaron McKay | Director - IT | 50 | $123,073 |
| David Rogers | Former Chief Development Officer | 50 | $128,674 |
| Frances Sallah | Early Learning Director | 50 | $113,939 |
| Margaret Day | Early Learning Director | 50 | $125,039 |
| Begona Rodriguez-Liern | Early Learning Director | 50 | $114,432 |
| Linda King | Director of Housing Stability | 50 | $108,369 |
| Nicole LaRose | Director - Corporate Partnerships | 50 | $103,108 |
Contact Information
Address: 619 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97205-2625
Phone: 503-228-9131
Fax: 503-226-9385
Website: www.unitedway-pdx.org
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does United Way of the Columbia-Willamette fund?
**Mission:** Improve lives, strengthen communities and advance equity by mobilizing the caring power of people across the region. **Vision:** A region where every person in every community is thriving. **Core Values:** The organization emphasizes equity, intentionally centering racial equity in its work and recognizing that systemic change requires centering the voices of those most impacted by building inclusive relationships. **Primary Focus Areas:** • Early Learning (ages 0-6) • Disaster & C…
How do I apply for a grant from United Way of the Columbia-Willamette?
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette functions as a grantmaking organization with total giving of $16,981,823 according to recent IRS filings. Typical grant awards range from $5,050 to $1,765,475. The organization's grant-making focuses on Education, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking, and Human Services, with particular emphasis on Housing, Addiction and Substance Abuse, and support for Christian nonprofits. Recent grant activity includes $180,000 in unrestricted grants announced to supp…
Where does United Way of the Columbia-Willamette make grants?
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette serves: • Clackamas County • Clark County • Multnomah County • Washington County • Deschutes County • Jefferson County • Crook County • Lands of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs The organization also funds in Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
What size grants does United Way of the Columbia-Willamette award?
In 2024, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette awarded 115 grants totaling $14.8M — an average of about $129K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is United Way of the Columbia-Willamette's EIN?
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 93-0582124. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in United Way of the Columbia-Willamette's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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