Overview:
In 1887, a Denver priest, two ministers, and a rabbi recognized the need for cooperative action to address their city’s welfare problems. The Rev. Myron W. Reed, Msgr. William J.O’Ryan, Dean H. Martyn Hart, and Rabbi William S. Friedman put their heads together to plan the first united campaign for ten health and welfare agencies. They created an organization to serve as an agent to collect funds for local charities, as well as to coordinate relief services, counsel and refer clients to cooperating agencies, and make emergency assistance grants in cases which could not be referred. That year, Denver raised $21,700 and created a movement that would spread throughout the country (and eventually the world) to become the United Way. 130 years later, United Way is still focused on mobilizing the caring power of communities and making a difference in people’s lives.
1887:
In Denver, religious leaders found the Charity Organizations Society, the first "United Way" organization, which plans and coordinates local services and conducts a single fundraising campaign for 22 agencies.
1888:
First United Way campaign in Denver raises $21,700.
1894:
Charitable institutions become exempt from the first federal act that imposes a tax on all corporations organized for profit.
1913:
The nation's first modern Community Chest is born in Cleveland, where a program for allocating campaign funds is developed.
1918:
Executives of 12 fund-raising federations meet in Chicago and form the American Association for Community Organizations (AACO), the predecessor to United Way of America.
1919:
Rochester, New York uses the name Community Chest, a name widely adopted by United Way organizations and used until the early 1950s. This year begins a 10-year growth period in the number of Community Chests: from 39 in 1919 to 353 in 1929.
1938:
United Way of Frederick County's founding board members are Lloyd Culler (Mayor of Frederick), Henry Stahr (President of Hood College), and Holmes Baker.
The Frederick Chamber of Commerce convenes to establish a Community Chest in Frederick County.
1948:
By now, more than 1,000 communities have established United Way organizations, just 60 years since the first campaign.
1970:
UWFC Board Presidents in the 70s' are Bob Hooper, Tommy Dorsey, Judge Edward Dwyer, and Dr. Robert Broadrup.
1971:
United Way of America's headquarters moves from New York City to Alexandria, Virginia.
1973:
The National Football League (NFL) and the United Way establish their partnership to increase public awareness of social service issues facing the country. In addition to public service announcements in which volunteer NFL players, coaches and owners appear, NFL players support their local United Ways through personal appearances, special programs, and sitting on United Way governing boards.
1974:
United Way raises $1,038,995,000 in America and Canada — the first time in history that an annual campaign of a single organization raised more than $1 billion. United Way's partnership with the NFL undertakes the largest public-service campaign in the nation's history. A major part of that campaign is Great Moments, the televised United Way/NFL public-service announcement.
United Way International is created to help nations around the world form United Way-type organizations.
1980:
Two steady leaders during this period are Richard Marshall and Earl Robbins.
1981:
United Way raises $1.68 billion, a 10.1 percent increase over the previous year. This figure represents the organization's largest single-year percentage increase.
1982:
United Way of America National Service and Training Center opens in August, increasing the ability to assist the nation's 2,200 United Way organizations.
1987:
United Way recognizes its centennial by saluting the American volunteer through many programs, including dedication of a United Way postage stamp by the U.S. Postal Service.
1990:
Leaders of the '90s include Joe Baker, Pete Plamondon Jr., Dr. John George and Ramara Ramsburg.
1991:
During the Persian Gulf War, a fully staffed Operations Center at United Way of America works closely with other organizations to ensure that those in need received help.
1992:
William Aramony resigns as President and Kenneth W. Dam serves as interim President and Chief Executive Officer for UWFC.
Former Peace Corps Director Elaine L. Chao is selected as United Way of American's President and Chief Executive Officer, becoming the first Asian-American and first female to hold this prestigious position.
1993:
Hosted by United Way of America, the national conference on block grants provides valuable insight to nearly 250 attendees on the past and future performance of block grants, a specific kind of grant given by the federal government to specified low-income areas. Specific focus is placed on on their implications for United Way, their agencies, and the people they serve.
The corporate community is increasingly demanding easier and more cost-efficient ways to process workplace campaigns. The Board sees the resolutions as the first steps in ensuring that United Way continues to be the premier workplace fundraiser, because of it's ability to better meet customers' needs through the use of new technology.
1994:
United Way of America is selected by Financial World magazine as the not-for-profit charity of choice in 1994 for its leadership in ethics and accountability.
1994 also marks the first year of United Way of America's Quality Awards, modeled after the Malcolm Bridge National Quality Awards. These awards recognize United Way organizations that have demonstrated measurable progress in customer satisfaction, accountability, and productivity. United Way of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, PA; United Way of the Piemont, Spartanburg, SC; and United Way of Southeastern New England, Providence, RI are the first recipients of this prestigious award.
1995:
The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG) announces its selection of United Way of America and the United Way system as the primary provider of community support and volunteer services for the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay. In this role, United Way is responsible for assisting the ACOG with the selection of torchbearers, organizing community celebrations to greet the arrival of the Olympic Flame, and coordinating volunteers for those functions.
United Way of America Board of Governors unanimously approve the adoption of Strategic Direction for United Way: Charting the Path For Building Better Communities.
1996:
United Way of America develops two Internet products, United Way Online for local organizations and a website for the general public.
Betty Stanley Beene, former President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way, is selected as United Way of America's new President and CEO.
Former United Way of America President William Aramony appeals his sentece to the U.S. Supreme Court.
In October, United Way of America identifies healthy children, healthy families, and healthy communities as focus areas under the strategic plan.
1997:
Betty Stanley Beene assumes the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of America.
United Way of America and the United Way system are asked by the organizers of the President's Summit for America's Future to join in leading the selection process for the 1,400 delegates from 140 cities across the nation. The focus of the summit was to help youth through volunteer efforts.
1998:
In 1997-98 campaigns, United Way collectively raises $3.4 billion, boosting revenues by more than $150 million for a 4.7 percent increase over 1996-97 levels.
United Way and the NFL celebrate the 25th Anniversary of their unique partnership and the longest-running sports-charity/public service announcement campaign of its kind. The partnership has enabled United Way to share their special message with 110 million viewers during football season. Over 950 spots have aired since 1973.
1999:
The Bank of America Foundation donates $50 million over 5 years to United Way in 22 states where they conduct business to support United Way's Birth to Work Agenda, previously called Success by 6®.
Bill and Melinda Gates donate $10.5 million to support vital United Way programs and services in order to strengthen the United Way system.
2000:
United Way embarks on a national brand management strategy designed to differentiate the United Way brand and system. The strategy helps to reposition United Way as more than a "fundraiser," but rather as the leading community impact organization.
United Way and its partners, the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems, successfully petition the Federal Communications Commission to designate "211" for health and human services information and referral. Originally created by United Way of Atlanta, 211 is an easy to remember and globally recognizable telephone number that makes a critical connection between individuals and families at need, and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies.
The United Way of America Board of Governors establishes the task force on Strengthening the United Way System to propose a strategic direction and recommend changes to the operating processes and governing mechanisms of the United Way system. Chaired by Jack Little, retired President and CEO of Shell Oil Company and a UWA Board member, the Task Force is comprised of 21 individual volunteer and staff leaders, representing member United Ways, corporations, organized labor and UWA's Board of Governors. United Way of America launches the United Way State of Caring Index®. The index measures the needs of Americans and the caring and compassion of the nation and each individual state.
2001:
On January 31, Betty Beene concludes her service as UWA President. UWA Chief Administrative Officer Chris Amundsen is appointed as Interim President.
In the 2000-2001 campaigns, United Way generates a record-breaking $3.91 billion in resources. For the fifth year in a row, campaign growth outpaces inflation.
In response to terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City; Somerset County, PA; and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C, the United Way of New York City and the New York Community Trus establish the September 11th Fund. It's purpose is to mobilize financial resources to respond to the pressing need of victims, their families, and communities affected by the tragedy. Four months after its establishment, donations to the fund total over $425 million.
In December, the preliminary report of the Task Force on Strengthening the United Way System "Rising to the Challenges" is presented to UWA's Board of Governors and the United Way system's National Professional Council (NPC). The proposed mission statement, "To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities," and the vision statement are adopted by UWA's Board of Governors and strongly endorsed by the NPC.
2002:
In January, Brian Gallagher assumes the position of United Way of America President and CEO, becoming the fortieth incumbent of that title. A 20-year veteran of United Way, Gallagher was previously President of the United Way of Central Ohio in Columbus, the 16th largest United Way in the country.
2003:
New Membership Standards for member United Ways that are designed to enhance the level of accountability and transparency in United Way operations are overwhelmingly adopted.
United Way of America launches its What Matters advertising campaign. What Matters® is an articulation of the commitment United Way has to creating meaningful and tangible impact in communities across America.
2004:
In response to the devastating hurricanes that ravaged the state of Florida, United Ways throughout Florida lead response and recovery efforts by identifying the most serious needs in devastated communities. The Florida 2-1-1 Network responded to thousands of telephone calls directing victims to services such as shelters, food, medical assistance, disaster preparedness and response activities, post-disaster assistance, and recovery information. Local 2-1-1 operators also matched volunteers with opportunities to give help in affected communities. The tragic tsunami that strikes South Asia focuses attention on that area of the world. The United Way Coordinated Crisis Response Team works collaboratively with staff from United Way International, United Way of America, and United Way affiliates in India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, and Thailand to collectively respond to the Indian Ocean communities impacted by the disasters.
2005:
United Way of America updates its Standards of Excellence. First adopted in 1973 and last updated in 1988, the Standards provide a comprehensive description of benchmark standards and best practices that reflect the organization's strategic shift from it's traditional role as a fundraiser to a new mission focused on identifying and addressing the long-term needs of communities.
In conjunction with Civitas and the Aid Council, United Way of America introduces Born Learning, an innovative public engagement campaign designed to provide parents and caregivers with the resources they need to create quality early learning oppurtunities for young children.
2006:
United Way of America and MTV create Storm Corps, an Alternative Spring Break program that invites young people to help United Way rebuild the Gulf Coast after the devastating hurricanes of 2005. Nearly 100 young adults travel to Biloxi, MS, and Foley, Alabama, to assist with rebuilding and recovery efforts.
2007:
The United Way Financial Stability Partnership™ is introduced. The national initiative will empower low to moderate income persons to achieve long-term financial stability that leads to independence. United Way annual revenue topped $4 billion for the first time, continuing it's status as the nation’s largest charity.
2008:
United Way introduces the bold goals for the common good focused on education, income and health, as well as LIVE UNITED, a new call to action for everyone to become a part of the change.
2009:
United Way International and United Way of America come together to create United Way Worldwide, the largest privately-funded nonprofit in the world, with more than 1,800 United Ways in 41 countries and territories.
2011:
United Way Worldwide signed a partnership agreement with the China Charity Federation, increasing the reach and ability of the worldwide organization to create opportunities for a better life for all. The organization also launches its U.S. volunteer call to action with the goal of recruiting one million volunteer readers, tutors, and mentors to advance United Way education goals.
2012:
United Way celebrates its 125th anniversary and enters into partnerships with CNN and CNN International to share the LIVE UNITED message in communities around the world.
2013:
United Way of Frederick County celebrates 75 years of service, with Congressman John Delaney raising and investing 44 million dollars in the Frederick community.
2017:
United Way of Frederick takes over the Unity Campaign, aiming to raise $400,000 to assist 27 local non-profits.
