What We Do — United Way of Southwest Colorado

WHAT WE DO

United Way of Southwest Colorado’s collective impact initiative is called Team UP.
Team UP brings together individuals and organizations across the southwest region to address deeply seeded issues and emerging opportunities through a data driven and informed Collective Impact Framework.
Over 60 entities across Southwest Colorado have stepped up to work together to create a thriving community for children, youth, and families. Team UP partners participate in action teams, meeting on a regular basis to collaborate on specific topic areas that have been identified by the community.
Learn more about Team UP here.
With a mission to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering, AmeriCorps is the federal agency that provides opportunities for individuals to serve their communities to make a difference.
United Way of Southwest Colorado’s AmeriCorps program is called Team UP AmeriCorps.
Learn more about Team UP AmeriCorps here.
There are a variety of ways to partner with us at United Way of Southwest Colorado. Local non-profit organizations who are doing important work to improve healthy communities, financial security, youth opportunity and community resilience can join our network to take advantage of exclusive UWSWC benefits.
Learn more about our different channels of partnership here!

We bring people and organizations together!

MONTEZUMA & DOORES COUNTIES
Montelores Emergency Assistance Coalition (MEAC) provides financial assistance to residents of Montezuma and Dolores Counties who are usually self-sufficient but are experiencing a one-time emergency. MEAC is also a UWSWC Community Partner.
Click here to learn more and apply !
LA PLATA & SAN JUAN COUNTIES
The Community Emergency Assistance Coalition (CEAC) provides one-time emergency financial assistance to those in need operated through Housing Solutions of the Southwest. UWSWC is a part of the coalition and serves as its fiscal sponsor.
Click here to learn more and apply!
ARCHULETA COUNTY
Pagosa Outreach Connection (POC) provides residents of Archuleta County with last-resort emergency financial assistance. United Way of Southwest Colorado is a part of the group and serves as its fiscal sponsor.
Click here to learn more and apply!
A free service to people in Southwest Colorado. Whether searching for shelter availability, childcare, rent payment assistance or more, 2-1-1 connects Coloradans to available resources in our communities.
Dial “211” on any phone or click here to visit 2-1-1!

Each year, the City of Durango provides grants through their Community Support Fund to local Health and Human Services basic-needs nonprofit organizations. United Way of Southwest Colorado is proud to manage and administer these funds.
2024 Applicatios are now closed.
2025 Applications will open in November 2024.
United Way of Southwest Colorado is proud to partner with La Plata County to manage its Public Service Agency (PSA) Grants.
Applications for 2025 funding are now closed. Check back in July 2025 for the 2026 application.
Contact the La Plata County Finance Department for more information.
UWSWC’s fiscally sponsored projects utilize our accounting, HR, and payroll expertise. Additionally, they receive some exclusive partner benefits.
Learn more about fiscal sponsorship here!