What We Do

Our History

Founded in 1887 in Denver, Colorado, the Charity Organizations Society was the first "United Way" organization.

Its leaders, each local religious men, used the new organization to plan and coordinate relief services and collect funds for local charities.

The next year, the first United Way campaign in Denver raised $21,700, with all of the funds going to those who needed it the most.

A Bold Vision

Since then, the United Way has grown into a network of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in 45 countries and territories.

We envision a world where all individuals and families achieve their human potential through education, income stability, and healthy lives.

An Ambitious Plan

In 2008, United Way launched a 10-year plan to cut the number of high school dropouts in half by 2018.

In that same year, United Way began an initiative to cut in half the number of lower-income families who are financially unstable, as well as to increase by one-third the number of youth and adults who are healthy and avoid risky behaviors -- all by 2018.

It's an ambitious plan, and we cannot accomplish it alone. United Way depends on parents and mentors, as well as on people who are willing to donate their time or funds.