OUR VISION

We envision a future where all individuals have equitable access to the information and services they need to build a sustainable, healthy, and prosperous future for themselves and their communities.

Our Mission

Mission Image
United Way seeks to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good.

United Way Worldwide History

1880s

In Denver, a priest, two ministers, and a rabbi (seriously) founded the first “United Way” prototype—coordinating fundraising for 22 local agencies.

1900s–1940s

Cleveland pioneered the Community Chest model, which grew rapidly during World War I. By 1945, nearly 800 existed nationwide.

1940s–1950s

National charity fatigue sparked a shift. In 1949, Detroit launched the first United Fund. Over 1,200 followed by 1953.

1954

United Way of Merced County was established, uniting local philanthropy to address community needs in the Central Valley.

1950s–1970s

Payroll giving surged. By 1970, United Way rebranded and became the first nonprofit to raise $1 billion in a single campaign.

1970s–1980s

United Way launched global efforts and NFL partnerships. Alternative giving platforms began reshaping donor habits.

1990s–2000s

Longtime CEO William Aramony was convicted of fraud. In 1997, 2-1-1 launched in Atlanta, becoming a national referral network for health and human services.

2000s

United Way adopted a Community Impact model focused on measurable results and transparency.

2010s

Digital platforms like Benevity challenged United Way’s dominance in giving. Modernization efforts ramped up network-wide.

NOW

Angela F. Williams became CEO of United Way Worldwide. Locally, UW Merced County celebrates 70 years as a community-centered force.

OUR VALUES

AUTHENTIC COLLABORATION
We center and support the community as the driver for change, working with and strengthening our partners.
INTEGRITY
We ensure transparency, accountability, and responsible use of our resources.
EQUITABLE ENGAGEMENT
We meaningfully engage diverse communities, valuing different backgrounds, experiences, and cultures.
INNOVATION
We embrace data, new technologies, and forward-thinking solutions to drive impact.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

We pledge to be an institution that embodies the following:

Diversity – acknowledging, valuing, and learning about differences and similarities to build compassion, trust, and solidarity across groups.

Equity – working towards creating a just, inclusive, and equitable community with access to resources for all.

Inclusion – cultivating cross-cultural communication and relational skills to work across differences, and all can join in embracing a community where all feel respected and valued.

Cultural humility –seeking new ways of knowledge, fostering curiosity, and recognizing that we are both teachers and learners. 

We are committed to advancing solutions to overcome barriers, helping communities demonstrate what works, and continuing the internal work to ensure we can fully partner in the challenging and critical work ahead. 

OUR POSITION OPPOSING ALL FORMS OF RACISM

  • We acknowledge that racism and other harmful forms of discrimination and oppression have contributed to the persistent barriers that United Way seeks to break down.

  • We condemn racism and other forms of discrimination because they undermine the well-being and vitality of all communities.

  • We recognize that racial, social, and economic disparities are the result of policies and practices that marginalize and exclude entire populations of people

  • We understand that these disparities have existed and persist in the present.

  • Our United Way network strives to advance equity for all and create opportunities to improve historically underserved communities.

  • We work with community, public, and private partners to co-create solutions that ensure everyone has the resources, support, opportunities, and networks they need to thrive.

  • As we work together to address critical issues in our communities and society, we can make a difference by engaging more equitably with staff, private and public partners, and community members.

  • Our success in this critical time can only come from the success of the communities we serve.