ALL IT TAKES IS ONE—ONE VOLUNTEER. ONE HOUR. ONE PROJECT.
AT A GLANCE
- Founded: 1957
- Team: 5 staff, deeply local
- Focus Areas: Health • Youth Opportunity • Community Resiliency • Financial Stability
- Who They Serve: ALICE households (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) across Idaho’s five northern counties
- Volunteer Hub: VolunteerNorthIdaho.org (VNI)
- Phone: (208) 667-8112
- Web: uwnorthidaho.org
United Way of North Idaho (UWNI) has been woven into the fabric of our region since 1957—quietly, consistently, and effectively helping neighbors move from getting by to getting ahead. Guided by a clear mission to build a community where children succeed in school, people live healthy lives, and everyone can achieve financial stability, UWNI focuses on ALICE families—the working households just one unexpected bill away from crisis. What I appreciate most: every dollar raised, and every hour invested stays here in North Idaho. Hyper-local by design, UWNI is led by a local board, invests exclusively in our communities, and amplifies its impact through membership in seven chambers, Rotary, and partnerships with hundreds of organizations.
WHAT MAKES UWNI UNIQUE
VOLUNTEER NORTH IDAHO (VNI)
Within Region One, Volunteer North Idaho is UWNI’s centralized hub for volunteerism—a smart, intuitive platform that matches people and teams with meaningful projects based on skills, interests, and availability. It’s built around a simple truth: one person can spark change. As Site Manager Rebecca Pratt and Director of Development Jen Reynolds put it, “VNI empowers volunteers—from individuals wanting to give a single afternoon to business teams ready to take on large-scale projects—to make an impact that matters to them. Whether it’s one person lending a hand, one group tackling a community challenge, or one hour that changes a neighbor’s life, VNI is where those connections begin. “ VNI is hands-on and human—real people helping volunteers and nonprofits connect in ways that truly matter.
DAY OF CARING
This year’s Day of Caring—September 25, 2025—is more connected than ever. It’s the day companies across our community set aside time for employees to team-build while delivering hands-on support to nonprofits and the neighbors who need it most. Projects are submitted through UWNI, imported into VNI, and opened for teams and individual volunteers to browse and claim. Next year, the entire process will live directly on VNI—making volunteer matching even more seamless for everyone involved. Sue Morgan, a United Way of North Idaho volunteer shared, “I love the site—the categories are laid out so well, and it’s user-friendly. I found places open for volunteers on the weekend because I work during the week.”
TOOLS THAT STRENGTHEN OUR WHOLE COMMUNITY
UWNI is also championing a regional event calendar through VNI—encouraging nonprofits to use it as a shared, master calendar so we can plan smarter together. As Rebecca says, “it’s only as sharp a tool as we make it.” When organizations post consistently, residents get a trusted go-to for opportunities, and nonprofits can better coordinate dates for fundraisers, volunteer activities, and community events.
MEETING RISING NEEDS WITH PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS
Like so many nonprofits, UWNI is navigating declining funding against rising needs. Their response is pragmatic and collaborative: forging new partnerships and zeroing in on high-impact priorities such as childcare quality, availability, and affordability. That focus is essential for ALICE families—and for employers who need reliable, supported workers.
HOW YOU (AND YOUR COMPANY) CAN PLUG IN
- Rally a team for Day of Caring on Sept 25, 2025
- Create an account on VolunteerNorthIdaho.org to post projects or find the right fit for your employees
- Become a “Fan” of your favorite organizations
- Coordinate your nonprofit events using the VNI calendar to reduce conflicts and increase turnout
On behalf of the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber, thank you, United Way of North Idaho, for showing us what local looks like—service rooted in listening, partnership, and results. We’re proud to celebrate your impact and grateful for the way you strengthen the region we all call home.
CONNECT WITH UWNI:
- Phone: (208) 667-8112
- Website: uwnorthidaho.org
- Find volunteer opportunities: VolunteerNorthIdaho.org
