United Nations Association of the USA, San Francisco Chapter

What United Nations Association of the USA, San Francisco Chapter does

United Nations Association of the USA, San Francisco Chapter (UNA-SF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the San Francisco chapter of UNA-USA, operating since 1954 (with predecessor activity from 1943) from the symbolic birthplace of the United Nations in San Francisco. Its mission is to inform, inspire, and mobilize local residents to support UN principles and to strengthen the UN system through education, advocacy, fundraising, and membership engagement. UNA-SF runs a portfolio of programs including the Ratify Movement (advocating for U.S. ratification of CEDAW and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child), Voices of San Francisco Global Consultations (multi-stakeholder dialogues on the UN Charter), a Summer Leadership Program for high school students, the Youth Advisory Program / SDG Youth-Impact Certification (YAP), and the Emerging Leaders for UN Agenda 2030 Award Series. The chapter also hosts annual commemorative events — UN Day, Charter Day Webinar, International Women's Day, Human Rights Day, World Environment Day — primarily at the San Francisco War Memorial Veterans Building and other Bay Area venues.

UNA-SF operates with limited proprietary technology: its digital infrastructure consists of a Squarespace-hosted website, email newsletters, volunteer intake forms, and a YouTube channel. Programming is delivered through in-person events, virtual webinars, and convening partnerships rather than a technology platform. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and Executive Committee, with leadership roles including President, Secretary, Treasurer, VP of Membership, VP Operations, and committee chairs for Development, Advocacy, Programs, Technology, and Global Consultations.

The revenue model is a combination of membership dues (administered nationally by UNA-USA at tiers from free GenUN youth membership to $1,000 lifetime), local donations processed through Zeffy, event ticket sales (e.g., $35 cinema screenings), and corporate sponsorship pursued through the Development Committee. Primary customer/audience segments are youth and young professionals (ages 14-30), civil society members and advocates, human rights and gender equality advocates, the consular/diplomatic community, and Bay Area educational institutions including UC Berkeley, USF, and SF State. Growth is modest and program-driven rather than revenue-scaled, with a stable volunteer-rich operating model.

Name

United Nations Association of the USA, San Francisco Chapter

Legal name

United Nations Association of San Francisco

Website

https://una-sf.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1954

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

UNA-SF is a 501(c)(3) San Francisco chapter of UNA-USA that educates local residents, mobilizes advocacy, and funds UN-aligned programs — including the Ratify Movement, Global Consultations, a Summer Leadership Program, and SDG Youth-Impact Certification — serving youth, civil society advocates, and the Bay Area diplomatic community.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Advocacy and Education

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

United Nations System & Specialized Agencies (BPADAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Intergovernmental Education Cooperation & Bilateral/Multilateral Programs (EDADALAA)

Keywords

• Nonprofit advocacy organization
• UN public engagement
• Global governance education
• Human rights advocacy
• Youth leadership development

Headquarters

HQ city

San Francisco, California

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: UNA-SF generates revenue through membership fees collected by parent organization UNA-USA. Membership levels include free GenUN membership for youth 14-17, Young Professional membership for under 30 at $25/year, Regular membership at $50/year, and Lifetime membership at $1000. The chapter receives organizational support as part of the UNA-USA National Network of Chapters.
2. Local Fundraising: As stated in their mission, UNA-SF raises funds locally to support educational programs, advocacy activities, and community events. They accept donations through Zeffy platform and other channels. The Development Committee provides strategic advice on grant applications and corporate sponsorship.
3. Event Revenue: Some events generate revenue through ticket sales. For example, the Special Cinema Screening of 'The Quiet Diplomat' charges $35 General Admission. The organization also offers group ticket purchases and sponsorship opportunities for events.
4. Corporate Sponsorship: The Development Committee actively pursues corporate sponsorship support for programs and events. Organizations can sponsor specific UNA-San Francisco programs with inquiries directed to [email protected].

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

UNA-SF educates people within its San Francisco jurisdiction about the United Nations, raises funds locally, and carries out education and advocacy activities related to the UN. It recruits, retains, and engages members to build a constituency of UN supporters through programs focused on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, human rights convention ratification, and youth leadership development. Core offerings include the Ratify Movement, Global Consultations, Summer Leadership Program, YAP certification, and signature annual events.

Product overview

UNA-SF operates as a nonprofit chapter organization offering multiple interconnected programs focused on education, advocacy, and youth engagement in support of the United Nations mission. Core programs include the Ratify Movement (advocating for CEDAW and CRC ratification), Voices of San Francisco Global Consultations, Summer Leadership Program for youth, and the SDG Youth-Impact Certification program. The organization also hosts annual events including UN Day and Charter Day celebrations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ratify Movement A program dedicated to securing U.S. ratification of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), operating under UN Security Resolution 1325 framework. The program engages 100+ partner organizations and 250+ regular participants.
• Voices of San Francisco - Global Consultations Annual multi-stakeholder consultation program hosting global dialogues on the UN Charter, engaging civil society, businesses, and political leaders in sharing hopes for the future. Reports and findings are provided to the UN and key decision makers.
• Summer Leadership Program Leadership development opportunity for high school students (GenUN members aged 14-17) providing engagement in decision making, strategic planning, and operational support across UNA-SF Board Committees.
• Youth Advisory Program for Sustainable Development (YAP) / SDG Youth-Impact Certification Program establishing standards for meaningful youth engagement in organizations promoting UN Sustainable Development Goals, offering consultation and certification services to organizations seeking to credibly engage youth in SDG-aligned work.
• Emerging Leaders for UN Agenda 2030 Award Series Annual awards recognizing emerging leaders of San Francisco who made extraordinary contributions to achieving UN Agenda 2030, given on UN Day October 24.
• Charter Day Webinar Annual webinar commemorating the signing of the UN Charter on June 26, featuring discussions on UN Charter reform and the Summit for the Future.
• UN Day Celebration Annual celebration of United Nations Day on October 24, commemorating the founding of the UN at its birthplace in San Francisco.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 20,000 members engaged nationally through UNA-USA network
• +3 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• UNA-USA (United Nations Association of the USA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNA-SF is the San Francisco Chapter of UNA-USA. UNA-USA is a Project of the Better World Fund (BWF) and works in close collaboration with the United Nations Foundation (UNF). The national organization provides strategic direction, membership infrastructure, advocacy resources, and connects chapters to UN initiatives.
• United Nations Foundation (UNF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNA-USA operates in close collaboration with the United Nations Foundation. The UNF supports UN initiatives and provides resources for chapter activities and programming.
• American Legion Post 315majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership with American Legion Post 315 for co-hosting events including International Women's Day, Human Rights Day, World Environment Day, and Rule of Law series. Veterans organization providing venue support and community reach.
• University of California Berkeley Law School Human Rights CentermajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for Human Rights programming. Collaborated on 70th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights celebrations and educational events.
• UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human RightsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Human Rights programming including the 70th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights series. UNHCHR provides expertise and endorsement for human rights events.
• Consulate General of Canada in San FranciscomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on International Women's Day 2020 event featuring Canadian perspective. Consul General participated as speaker on gender equality in tech industry.
• League of Women Voters San FranciscocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term civic organization partnership for voter education and democratic engagement. Co-sponsored Human Rights Day 70th Anniversary celebration.
• UN Women / USNC-UN Women San Francisco Bay AreamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for gender equality programming and women's rights advocacy including CEDAW ratification campaigns and UN Commission on the Status of Women activities.
• Grace Cathedral San FranciscominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVenue partner for UNA-SF events. Historic cathedral has served as event location for programs addressing global issues intersecting with UN Member Nations.
• Other UNA Chapters (San Diego, Marin County, Beverly Hills, Monterey Bay, Mid Peninsula, Sonoma County)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNetwork of UNA-USA California chapters for regional coordination. Collaborate on joint events including Climate Conference, Human Rights Day celebrations, and Global Consultations.
• UNA-USA Women Affinity GroupmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational affinity group partnership for gender equality advocacy. Supports Ratify Movement and CEDAW ratification efforts across the UNA-USA network.
• San Francisco Collaborative Against Human Trafficking (SFCAHT)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-disciplinary collaboration for anti-trafficking advocacy. Joint work on Human Trafficking Awareness campaigns, legislative advocacy including AB65, and survivor support programs.
• California Commission on the Status of Women and GirlsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState government partnership for gender equality advocacy. Co-sponsored California Assembly Bill 549 (CEDAW Act) and collaborated on policy initiatives.
• International Alliance of WomenmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational women's organization partnership for CSW programming. Joint平行 events at UN Commission on the Status of Women conferences.
• Global Governance ForummajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational organization focused on global governance reform. Panelist Augusto Lopez-Claros serves as Executive Director and Chair. Involved in Charter Reform discussions.
• Coalition for the UN We NeedmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition advocating for UN Charter reform. Keynote speaker Heba Aly serves as Director. UNA-SF hosts events discussing Summit of the Future and Charter reform agenda.
• Bright Leaf PicturesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFilm production company. Co-sponsored Special Cinema Screening of 'The Quiet Diplomat' documentary about UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
• Veterans for PeaceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVeterans organization co-sponsoring The Quiet Diplomat screening. Aligns with peace and international cooperation missions shared with UNA-SF.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• International Rescue Committee (San Francisco): IRC operates a Bay Area office focused on refugee resettlement and humanitarian advocacy. While UN-affiliated and active in the same geography, IRC focuses on direct service delivery rather than civic education and UN advocacy, making it a complementary rather than direct competitor.

Direct peers

• UN Women USNC San Francisco Bay Area: UN Women USNC San Francisco Bay Area is a local UN-affiliated committee focused on gender equality programming and CEDAW advocacy. It directly co-programs events with UNA-SF and shares the Ratify Movement coalition space.
• World Affairs Council of Northern California: World Affairs Council runs educational programming, public events, and global affairs discussions in the San Francisco Bay Area. It shares UNA-SF's geography, educational programming focus, and member-base overlap (civic-minded residents interested in international issues).
• Citizens for Global Solutions: Citizens for Global Solutions is a US-based membership nonprofit advocating for stronger US engagement with the UN and international cooperation. It aligns closely with UNA-SF's advocacy mission around CEDAW/CRC ratification and democratic internationalism.
• League of Women Voters of California: League of Women Voters of California is a long-term civic engagement partner of UNA-SF and shares overlap on voter education, democratic engagement, and gender equality advocacy. The organization's President has prior experience as Deputy Director of Social Policy there.
• UNA-NYC (United Nations Association of New York): UNA-NYC is another local UNA-USA chapter, operating in the metropolitan hub of the United Nations. It is structurally identical to UNA-SF — local chapter, same membership tiers, similar programming model — making it the most directly comparable peer.

Broad incumbents

• Better World Fund: Better World Fund is the fiscal home of UNA-USA and supports UN-affiliated programming. It is a broader nonprofit sponsor operating across multiple UN-related initiatives, comparable to UNA-SF in mission alignment but with greater scale and operational scope.
• United Nations Foundation: UNF is a strategic collaborator with UNA-USA and provides resources for chapter activities. It is a larger, established nonprofit focused on UN-related philanthropy, with significantly broader programmatic scope and capital base than UNA-SF.
• Council on Foreign Relations: CFR is a larger, established think tank and membership organization focused on US foreign policy and international affairs. It serves a similar civic-minded audience interested in multilateral engagement but operates at a much larger scale with broader policy focus than UNA-SF.
• UNA-USA (United Nations Association of the USA): UNA-USA is the national parent organization of UNA-SF, operating as a Project of the Better World Fund in collaboration with the United Nations Foundation. It runs the membership platform, advocacy e-action system, and chapter network that UNA-SF depends on, making it both parent and closest operational peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/unitednations
• Facebookfacebook.com/groups/UNASF
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/unasf

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about United Nations Association of the USA, San Francisco Chapter