ABOUT US
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 Work
Our Mission
We mobilize the caring power of our community to advance health, stability, and opportunity for all.
Our Vision
A Merced County where every person can thrive, regardless of background or circumstance.
The Problem
Families face fragmented systems, rising costs, and barriers that prevent access to housing, healthcare, and stability.
Our Theory of Change
When trust, data, and community partners align, people experience fewer barriers and better long-term outcomes.
OUR VALUES
United Way Worldwide History
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The “prototype” begins in Denver
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In Denver, a priest, two ministers, and a rabbi (seriously) helped launch the first “United Way” prototype—coordinating fundraising for 22 local agencies.
Community Chests scale during wartime giving
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Cleveland pioneered the Community Chest model, which spread quickly—especially during World War I—to streamline local fundraising. By 1945, nearly 800 Community Chests existed nationwide.
Donor fatigue drives consolidation
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Competing campaigns by national health charities caused donor fatigue. Business and labor leaders pushed for consolidation; Detroit launched the first United Fund in 1949. By 1953, over 1,200 United Funds formed. In 1956, the national organization renamed itself United Community Funds and Councils of America.
United Way of Merced County is established
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United Way of Merced County was established.
Workplace giving surges and the $1B milestone
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Workplace giving surged, aided by payroll deduction systems. By 1956, employee donations surpassed corporate gifts. The national network rebranded in 1970 as United Way of America, and soon became the first organization to raise $1 billion in a single annual campaign.
Expansion, NFL partnership, and early competition
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United Way relocated to Virginia, launched its NFL partnership, and expanded globally through United Way International. In the ’80s, donor priorities shifted and alternative funds began challenging United Way’s dominance in workplace campaigns.
Scandal, reforms, and the donor-choice era
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A major scandal rocked the organization: CEO William Aramony was convicted of fraud, prompting local chapters to withhold dues and demand reform. Centralization efforts and a $12M failed software rollout deepened tensions. Meanwhile, donor-choice models reduced United Way’s direct control over funds.
2-1-1 grows and Community Impact takes hold
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2-1-1 launched in Atlanta in 1997, becoming a national referral network for health and human services. United Way of America adopted a Community Impact model, prioritizing measurable results and transparency—leading to the disaffiliation of dozens of local branches.
Digital giving platforms force adaptation
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New competition from digital giving platforms like Benevity and Salesforce’s Philanthropy Cloud forced United Ways to adapt. In 2021, CEO Brian Gallagher resigned following allegations of workplace misconduct.
Modernization under new leadership
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Angela F. Williams becomes the first Black woman to lead United Way Worldwide, charged with modernizing the organization’s culture. United Way of Merced County, now in its 70th year, is reimagining its role as a community-centered, collaborative force.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We pledge to be an institution that embodies the following:
Equity
Working toward 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, so all feel respected and valued.
Diversity
Acknowledging, valuing, and learning about differences and similarities to build compassion, trust, and solidarity across groups.
Cultural Humility
Seeking new ways of knowledge, fostering curiosity, and recognizing that we are both teachers and learners.
Our Position Opposing All Forms of Racism
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.
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.
Our success in this critical time can only come from the success of the communities we serve.
