UNITED IS THE WAY

We live in a time when compassion, empathy, and generosity toward our neighbors are sometimes met with skepticism, cynicism, or worse. In some spaces, caring for one another is framed as weakness.

 

And I will be honest, there are moments when it is hard to understand how we arrived at a place where basic human decency can feel up for debate. 

But then we come to work. And what we see every day tells a very different story. 

 

We see people stepping up. We see neighbors helping neighbors. We see businesses, volunteers, and nonprofit partners who understand that compassion is not weakness, it is a responsibility we have to one another. That care and empathy are not optional, but essential if we are going to meet the challenges facing our community. 



Out of the countless ways you could give back, you have chosen to partner with United Way Greater Chippewa Valley. You have chosen to invest locally, to support people who are struggling, and to help strengthen this community. Ware truly grateful that you’ve placed your trust in us and we take that very seriously.  

 

This year is about gratitude. It is about recognizing the generosity, service, and commitment that make our community stronger. It is also a chance to enjoy being together, to celebrate, to have some fun, and to reflect who we are as a community.  

 

Thank you for being here. Thank you for believing in this work. And thank you for reminding us that caring for one another is not weakness — it’s the only way we move forward together. 

 

With gratitude,

 

2 weeks ago, we came together for our annual night of recognition. Our Gratitude Gala is to celebrate you — the donors, volunteers, staff, program partners, and community leaders who choose to meet our challenges with generosity, optimism, and humanity.  

 

The support we receive from this community allows us to invest in programs and services that ensure when one of our neighbors needs help, help is there. Your investment in United Way is an investment in the future of our community. We believe that a rising tide lifts all boats, and your partnership is critical to building a stronger, more connected Chippewa Valley. 

Join the Emerging Leaders for our first Speed Dating event 👀

 

This will be a night filled with networking, fundraising, and hopefully connection to support United Way Greater Chippewa Valley and bring more awareness to its Emerging Leaders program!

 

Registration Fee: $10 donation (includes a drink ticket $5 value)

 

Location: Rally Caps Sports Bar 

465 Chippewa Mall Drive, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

 

Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 

 

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. 

 

Age Groups: 

- Ages 33 – 45 | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

- Ages 21 – 32 | 8:00 – 9:30 p.m.

 

Single and ready to mingle?

Fill out this form and get ready to find your match ❤️

PURPOSE - To continue promoting financial support for our community's non-profits by contributing to small scale and/or emergency needs and projects across Eau Claire and Chippewa counties.

 

DURATION - $12,500.00 will be released every quarter for a total allocation of $50,000.00 annually.

 

Please note this is a single use grant. An organization can only receive one Small Act Grant allocation per year (even with applying multiple times/multiple quarters).

 

REQUIREMENTS - Align with any of the initiatives of United Way Greater Chippewa Valley. May not necessarily be a program partner but still need to fall under one of our 5 pillars. This MUST be an immediate need and serve our ALICE population!

 

WHO CAN APPLY? Local non-profit organizations in Eau Claire and Chippewa Counties (Current, Past, and Non-Program Partners are welcomed).

 

All applicants MUST be a non-profit organization, provide their 501c3 identification, and not exceed the $2,500.00 ask - this will result in automatic denial.

 

ACCOUNTABILITY - Small Act Grant recipients are required to show proof of purchase(s), imagery for social media / UWGCV's promotional use, and will recognize UWGCV appropriately through social media, print and digital advertising, alongside any other marketing or community facing platforms.

 

Once you apply you will be contacted with more information regarding whether or not you've received the grant.

 

In addition to that, we currently do not work with any political, religious, or animal affiliated organizations - so please apply accordingly!

HEY - YOU ARE NOT ALONE 🧡

During these times we can feel a lot of gratitude and also moments of being overwhelmed.

 

Whether you're holding space for all of these moments or just one, please remember you're supported and never alone.

 

You don’t have to navigate challenges by yourself. United Way is here to help!

Whether that means finding a therapist, a local program or agency, or simply someone who will listen.



📞 Call 911 for immediate help

📞 Call or text 988 for mental health and well-being help

📞 Call or text 211 for ongoing support and other resources

 

Together, we can create healthier, more connected communities.

This dynamic group is designed to help participants increase their leadership impact in their organization, the social sector, and the community at large. Emerging Leaders are collaborative, great teammates, and good communicators. They seek others' input and opinions, use it to shape their ideas, and generate consensus. They have strong soft-skills and have emotional intelligence when it comes to dealing with others.

 

DEVICE DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM 💻

 

This program provides eligible households with a refurbished computer. We have options for Windows 11 devices ($40) or Chromebooks (Free). 

 

Please note: Chromebooks require access to the internet or hotspot for the devices to work.

 

Computers are limited to one per household. You must be a resident of Eau Claire County or Chippewa County. The devices distributed through United Way are sold “as is” and have been inspected by the supplier and United Way team.

DIGITAL NAVIGATOR PROGRAM📱 

 

This program assists community members in using the Internet, Smart Phones, Computers, and much more. This service is 100% free and open to ALL residents of Chippewa and Eau Claire Counties. Digital Navigators will meet with residents who wish to further their digital skills and become more confident with using the internet.

If you have questions please email DigitalEquity@uwgcv.org or call 715-834-5043

 
 
 
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Stay Connected! #UnitedIsTheWay