About Us

The concept of united fund-raising originated in 1887 when four clergymen and a civic activist organized a single campaign to support more than a score of community service organizations in their community.

Over the years with varying names, United Way organizations have demonstrated the flexibility to cope with challenges and to provide for community needs.

• During the Great Depression, the Community Chests of the country mobilized to fight hunger and want. Many fell into serious financial difficulties as voluntary funds became harder to raise.
• During World War II, through the United Relief and War Chests, new services were organized and supported by Community Chests and Community Funds to meet the needs of the times. Shifts continued through the years and times of urban crisis.

Regardless of the names – whether Health and Welfare Planning Council, Community Fund, Community Chest, United Fund or United Way – the goal continues to be building community and sustaining the voluntary spirit of people helping people.

United Way is far more than a fund-raising campaign. It is a system that develops, strengthens and utilizes a network of human care services through local, voluntary citizen participation, in order to improve community and individual well-being.

United Way of Washtenaw County traces its root to 1920 when the Arbor United Charitable and Community Service was organized.

United Way of Washtenaw County believes that to truly improve lives in our region we must act collectively to impact the critical issues affecting residents of Washtenaw County. We are committed to bringing together partners across all sectors in order to address community concerns before they become problems. In so doing, we create sustainable community charge.

For more than 89 years, United Way of Washtenaw County has been working with care and integrity, committed to advancing the common good within the Washtenaw County community.