Since 1924, United Way of West Florida has fought for the health of our community, youth opportunity, financial security, and community resiliency. We have done this by working collaboratively with hundreds of companies, thousands of community members and volunteers, local government, and local nonprofit agencies. Working together has always been the best way to improve lives and build a stronger community.
The beginning of United Way dates back to 1887 in Denver, Colorado, when a woman, a priest, two ministers, and a rabbi came together with a simple goal: to make their community a better place for everyone through cooperative action. Calling themselves the “Charity Organization Society,” they planned and coordinated local services and conducted a single fundraising campaign to support more than 20 local health and welfare agencies. That first fundraising campaign raised $21,700 (over $700,000 in today’s dollars) and ignited a movement that would become known as “Community Chest,” “United Fund,” and, by 1970, United Way.
