No matter your budget, schedule, or interests, there are many meaningful ways to support your neighbors through Oshkosh Area United Way.
At Oshkosh Area United Way (OAUW), we believe that when our community works together, we can remove barriers, expand access, and create opportunities for every person in Oshkosh and the surrounding area to reach their full potential. Over the past year, we’ve listened to our partners, reviewed local data, and looked closely at where gaps still exist. Because of that work, we have refreshed our three focus areas—Lifelong Learning, Health & Wellness, and Enabling Resources.
We’ll be sharing more about each focus area in the months ahead as we continue rolling out our updated Community Impact Strategy.
These focus areas reflect what our community needs most right now and where we feel OAUW can make an impact. And because Oshkosh Area United Way collaborates across sectors, strengthens shared efforts, and invests in initiatives with measurable impact, your support goes farther and reaches the places where it matters most.
Here are a few high-impact ways to get involved:
1. Donate Online: A Secure Way to Make an Immediate Impact
A gift to Oshkosh Area United Way fuels local initiatives that strengthen families, support youth, improve health and well-being, and connect people to essential resources.
Your gift—whether one-time or monthly—helps create sustainable, measurable change across all three focus areas.
Donate anytime by clicking HERE.
2. Give Through Your United Way Worplace Campaign
Workplace campaigns make it easy to support local needs in a consistent, meaningful way. Payroll deduction lets you give a little at a time, and many employers match donations—helping your support go even further.
Many employers also offer matching gift programs throughout the year. Check with your Human Resources office to see if your gift—and your impact—can be doubled or even tripled through a matching gift opportunity.
If your workplace is already partnered with us, thank you. If not, contact us, we’d be glad to help explore whether a campaign might be a good fit.
3. Additional Ways to Give: Donor-Advised Funds, IRA Gifts, & Legacy Giving
There are several other simple, tax-advantaged ways you can support Oshkosh Area United Way:
- Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)
If you have a DAF through a community foundation or providers like Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, or Thrivent Charitable (Thrivent Choice), you can recommend a grant to OAUW at any time. - IRA Charitable Rollovers (Qualified Charitable Distributions)
For donors aged 70½ or older, giving directly from an IRA can offer tax advantages while supporting local needs. - Planned Giving
Including OAUW in your will or estate plans—whether a percentage or a specific gift—is a simple way to support long-term community impact for generations to come.
To learn more about any of these options, or to share your intent, please contact us—we’re here to help explore what works best for you.
Organization Details:
Legal Name: Oshkosh Area United Way
Tax ID: 39-1017908
Address: 16 Washington Ave, Oshkosh WI 54901
4. Donate Essential Items to Our Community Vault
Our Community Vault provides agencies, schools, and organizations with basic essentials for local families—items like hygiene supplies, diapers, cleaning products, and more.
Host a collection drive or, if you’re a Thrivent member, you can even use your Thrivent Action Team dollars to purchase supplies. Our more urgent needs include full-size deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, shaving cream and razors, laundry detergent, and baby wipes.
Donations can be dropped off at Oshkosh Area United Way, 16 Washington Avenue, Oshkosh, WI 54901.
We recommend calling ahead at (920) 235-8560 or emailing oauw@oshkoshunitedway.org so a staff member can be available to assist you.
Learn more about our Community Vault by clicking HERE.
5. Volunteer Your Time and Skills
Whether you’re looking for a one-time project, youth mentoring, event support, or opportunities to use your skills to help others, there’s a place for you.
Check with your employer, as many encourage volunteering through paid volunteer time or team volunteer days—another great way to give back while connecting with coworkers.
Browse local opportunities in our area at VolunteerOshkosh.org.
7. Attend OAUW Events Like Race for the Light on December 6
Community events bring people together, and our 23rd Annual Race for the Light is one of the most festive ways to support OAUW. Join us on December 6 for a 5K Fun Run/Walk through the Celebration of Lights, starting at the EAA Youth Education Center.
Your participation helps support our work across the community.
Register by Monday, November 17 to guarantee a race t-shirt!
Have Questions or Want to Explore Your Giving Options?
If you have questions about ways to give or would like help exploring your options, we’re here to help.
Contact us at 920-235-8560 or oauw@oshkoshunitedway.org.
Together, We Help Every Person Reach Their Full Potential
When you give, volunteer, advocate, or engage with Oshkosh Area United Way, you help ensure every person in our community has access to the support they need to reach their full potential.
Thank you for being part of this shared work.
United is the Way.