United Way History -- A Timeline
1887
In Denver, Colorado, religious leaders form the Charity Organizations Society, the first United Way organization, which plans and coordinates local services and conducts a single fund-raising campaign for 22 agencies.
1888
The 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” (the same Community Chest that can be found in the Monopoly board game,) is formed in Cleveland, Ohio, where a program for allocating campaign funds is developed.
1918
Executives of 12 fundraising federations meet in Chicago, Illinois, and form the American Association for Community Organizations (AACO), the predecessor to United Way of America.
1919
The city of Rochester, New York, forms their own Community Chest, a name widely adopted by United Way organizations and used until the early 1950s. This year sprouts a 10-year growth of Community Chests, from 39 in 1919 to 353 in 1929.
1936
Former New Jersey Governor and Hudson County native A. Harry Moore establishes the Community Chest of Jersey City.
1948
More than 1,000 communities establish United Way organizations including Hudson County.
1956
William E. Martin becomes Chief Executive Officer of The United Way of Hudson County.
1971
The United Way of America’s main headquarters move from New York City, New York, to Alexandria, Virginia and the name is changed to The United Way.
1973
The National Football League and The United Way establish a partnership to increase public awareness of social service issues facing the country. In addition to public service announcements in which NFL players, coaches and owners appear voluntarily. NFL players also show their support to local United Way chapters through personal appearances, special programs and by participating on United Way governing boards.
1974
United Ways raise $1,038,995,000 in America and Canada - the first time in history that an annual campaign of a single organization raises more than $1 billion. United Ways undertake with the National Football League (NFL) 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 announcements.
United Way International is formed to help nations around the world form United Way-type organizations.
1981
United Ways raise $1.68 billion, a 10.1 percent increase over the previous year. This figure represents the largest single-year percentage increase.
1982
United Way of America's new National Service and Training Center opens in August.
1987
United Way recognizes its centennial by saluting the America volunteer through many programs, including dedication of a United Way postage stamp by the U.S. Postal Service.
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 receive help.
1992
Former Peace Corps Director Elaine L. Chao is selected as United Way of America's president and chief executive officer: the first Asian-American and first female to assume this position.
1993
A national conference on Block Grants, hosted by United Way of America, provides valuable insight to nearly 250 attendees on the past and future performance of block grants, focusing on their implications for United Ways, their agencies, and the people they serve.
The corporate community is increasingly demanding easier, more cost-efficient ways to process workplace campaigns. The Board sees these resolutions as the first steps in ensuring that United Way continues to be the premier workplace fundraiser because of its ability to change to better meet customers' needs through the use of new technology.
1994
United Way of America is selected by Financial World magazine as the charity of choice in 1994 for its leadership in not-for-profit ethics and accountability.
1995
The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG) announces its selection of United community support and volunteer services for the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay. In its role, Way of America and the United Waysystem as the primary provider of United Way is responsible for assisting ACOG with the selection of torchbearers, organizing community celebrations to greet the arrival of the Olympic Flame, and coordinating volunteers for these functions.
United Way of America's Board of Governors unanimously approves the adoption of Strategic Direction for United Way: Charting the Path for Building Better Communities.
1996
Dan Altilio is named President of the United Way of Hudson County.
In October , United Way of America identifies healthy children, healthy families and healthy communities as focus areas under the strategic plan.
1998
In 1997-98 campaigns, United Ways collectively raise $3.4 billion, boosting revenues by more than $150 million for a 4.7 percent increase over 1996-97 levels.
United Ways 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 enables the United Way to share their special message with 110 million viewers during football season.
1999
Bank of America Foundation donates $50 million over 5 years to local United Ways 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 to strengthen the United Way system.
2000
United Ways embark on a national brand management strategy designed to differentiate 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 universally recognizable telephone number that makes a critical connection between individuals and families in need and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies.
United Way of America launches the United Way State of Caring Index®. The index measures the needs of American and the caring and compassion of the nation, as well as each state.
2001
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, the Pentagon in Washington D.C. and Somerset County, PA, the United Way of New York City and the New York Community Trust establish the September 11th Fund. The purpose of the Fund is to mobilize financial resources to respond to the pressing needs of the victims, their families, and communities affected by the tragedy. Four months later, donations to the September 11th Fund total more than $425 million.
2004
In response to the devastating hurricanes that ravage 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 responds 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 match volunteers with opportunities to give help in affected communities.
The tragic tsunami that struck 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
First adopted in 1973 and last updated in 1988, United Way of America updates its Standards of Excellence. The new Standards -- which provide a comprehensive description of benchmark standards and best practices -- reflect the organization's strategic shift from its traditional role as strictly a fundraiser to a new mission focused on identifying and addressing the long-term needs of communities.
In conjunction with Civitas and the Ad 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 opportunities for young children
2007
The United Way of Hudson County focuses on four major issues that will have the strongest community impact: Homelessness, Child Welfare, Special Needs and the Non-Profit Sector as a Community Resource Bank.
