January 14, 2026

2026 United Way Campaign

Dear Members of the UC Santa Barbara Community,

For more than a century, United Way of Santa Barbara County has been working in partnership with local organizations to support our community in building a stronger, more resilient future for all. UC Santa Barbara is proud to be part of this enduring legacy as the host of the longest-running United Way workplace campaign in Santa Barbara County.

United Way’s impact spans three key focus areas – Academic Achievement, Financial Empowerment, and Crisis Response and Recovery – each providing meaningful and lasting benefits to our community. Programs like Fun in the Sun, the United Learning Center, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance provide critical resources and tools to help children and families build stronger foundations for future success.

UC Santa Barbara’s annual United Way Campaign, “United for Education,” will take place January 14 through March 6, 2026. This year’s theme continues to highlight the vital role education plays in shaping opportunity and emphasizes the importance of literacy and academic success for our youth. As these efforts continue to grow, our collective support is essential to sustaining and strengthening this important work. Throughout the campaign, we’ll have the opportunity to come together and raise funds through annual traditions such as Candy Grams and the Bean Bag Toss Tournament.

There are many ways to contribute to the United Way Campaign, whether it is through service or financial support, including by signing up for payroll deduction in the “Gauchos Give $5” challenge. To learn more about UC Santa Barbara’s United Way Campaign, please visit www.dia.ucsb.edu/unitedway.

Every gift, no matter the form, has a meaningful impact and is sincerely appreciated.

With gratitude, 

Dennis Assanis, Chancellor

Key Dates

Campaign Dates: January 14 - March 6, 2026

January

14 | Payroll Deduction Sign Ups Open
14 | Candy Gram Sales Open
20 – 24 | Campus Store Round-Up
28 | Candy Gram Sales Close

February

11 - 12 | Candy Gram Distribution
12 | Panda Express at the UCen Fundraiser
25 | Bean Bag Toss Tournament

March

2 - 6 | Dining at The Club Fundraiser
2 - 6 | Campus Store Round-Up
6 | Campaign Fundraising Ends