Learn more about our history. And join us to build a better future.
-
A Woman, a Priest, Two Ministers and a Rabbi...
In 1887, a Denver woman, a priest, two ministers and a rabbi got together... It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke, but they didn't walk into a bar; what they did do was recognize the need to work together in new ways to make Denver a better place.
Frances Wisebart Jacobs, the Rev. Myron W. Reed, Msgr. William J.O’Ryan, Dean H. Martyn Hart and Rabbi William S. Friedman put together an idea that became the nation's first united campaign, benefitting 10 area health and welfare agencies. They created an organization to collect the funds for local charities, to coordinate relief services, to counsel and refer clients to cooperating agencies, and to make emergency assistance grants for cases that could not be referred. That year, Denver raised $21,700 for this greater good, and created a movement that would become United Way.
-
Building Better Communities
Today's United Way is still bringing people together around a common cause. With a comprehensive view, deep local expertise and broad global networks, we mobilize communities to action so everyone can thrive.
Through our global network – tens of thousands of communities across 34 countries – United Way connects partners, donors, volunteers, and community leaders to create innovative solutions to community problems. Most importantly, we're impacting the lives of 48+ million people.
-
It's a Team Effort
We're not doing it alone. United Way is able to make a lasting difference because we work together with strategic partners who share our vision. Across the world, we partner with 34,000 companies and 29 million community organizations.
United Way connects partners, donors, volunteers, and community leaders to tackle the root causes of the world’s most complex challenges. We’re advancing youth opportunity, healthy community, financial security, and resilient community
-
Phone-A-Friend
You can see our evolution through the lens of 211, a free and confidential hotline — supported by United Way — that helps millions of people find the local resources they need, 24/7, across the U.S. and Canada.
211 is America's most comprehensive source of information about local resources and services. Every day, more than 4,200 expert call center specialists field calls, web chats, emails and texts from people in crisis or seeking help with everyday needs. This help is free, confidential and available in more than 180+ languages.
The national 211 data platform is the largest in the nation, connecting people to 1.6 million local services. That includes help with crisis and emergency counseling, disaster assistance, food, health care and insurance, stable housing and utility assistance, employment services, veteran services, crisis and emergency counseling, disaster assistance, and childcare and family services.
-
48 Million Lives
Rather than measuring our success in dollars raised, we measure our success in lives impacted.
United Way makes life better for more than 48 million people every year. We can do this because we're in our second century of service. Across the world, United Way is local leaders, local donors and volunteers investing in local solutions to improve the lives of neighbors. We have the resources, reputation and relationships needed to bring people and organizations together around innovative solutions to society's toughest problems.
-
$2 Billion Saved for Taxpayers
Another sign of United Way's evolution is our program that lets you file your federal and state taxes online for free, in English or Spanish. Since 2009, United Way's MyFreeTaxes has helped more than 1.3 million taxpayers claim nearly $2 billion in refunds and save $260 million in filing fees.
The secure software guides you through the filing process and screens for common tax deductions and credits you may be eligible for, like the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Child Tax Credit. If you need help, our Helpline is at your service with real-person support certified by the IRS.
-
To Be Continued...
As you can see, United Way is evolving -- but we haven't changed is our focus on improving lives and strengthening communities. There are lots of ways you can be part of this change. Join us!