United Way representatives from around the globe

Our global history

United Way was founded 120 years ago in 1887 in Denver Colorado USA.

The organisation was created in response to the effects of rapid industrialisation on communities.

Community leaders worked with local charities to coordinate fundraising efforts via a single fundraising campaign. This process became a more effective way to mobilise communities to address critical needs.

The idea rapidly spread throughout North America and the rest of the world. It was a simple idea that achieved results and could be readily adapted to the conditions of any community.

Today there are 4,000 United Way organisations in 47 countries who distributed US$5 billion in 2006.

In 2005 we were voted America’s number one charity by ‘The Chronicle of Philanthropy’.

To learn more about United Way globally visit United Way of America and United Way International .