United Way History

The history of United Way is rooted in partnerships—bringing people from different walks of life together to advance the common good for all.

In 1887, a Denver woman (Frances Wisebart Jacobs), a priest (the Rev. Myron W. Reed), two ministers (Msgr. William J.O’Ryan and Dean H. Martyn Hart), and a rabbi (Rabbi William S. Friedman) recognized a need for cooperative action to address their city’s social problems. That year, Denver raised $21,700 and created a movement that would spread throughout the country to become the United Way. By the 1950s, more than 1,000 communities across the United States and Canada had established local United Ways. In 1974, United Ways raised nearly $1.04 billion, marking the first time in history that a single organization raised more than $1 billion in an annual campaign.

More than 124 years after that Denver beginning, there are more than 1,800 community-based United Ways in 40 countries and territories, and United Way is still focused on mobilizing the caring power of communities and making a difference in people’s lives. The United Way movement mobilizes millions to action—to give, advocate, and volunteer—to improve conditions in their communities.

Orange County United Way

For nearly 90 years, Orange County United Way has been at the forefront of health and human care services in Orange County. While the community has changed over the years, our mission to improve lives and strengthen our community has remained the same. We continue to mobilize the caring power of Orange County—by collaborating with nonprofit agencies, corporate partners, and generous donors—to meet the greatest needs of our community. By focusing on the Building Blocks for a self-sufficient life—Education, Income, and Health—we improve the lives of our neighbors, coworkers, and friends. We invite you to be the change you want to see in OUR community and join our movement today.

Timeline

1924:    
First Community Chest in Santa Ana established, paving the way for the establishment of several United Way Funds and United Ways in Orange County

1960s:        
Seventeen independent United Ways in Orange County begin to merge

1984:        
Completed mergers of all local United Ways into one entity named: Orange County United Way (OCUW)

1984-1991:    
Orange County United Way establishes three regional offices in North, South, and West Orange County

1998:    
Regional Offices closed and consolidated into one corporate office in Irvine, with regional presence maintained through volunteer Regional Councils

1999-2000:    
OCUW leads a process to focus its investments in targeted program strategies addressing specific community needs in the areas of: Children, Health, Independence, and Families

1999-2004:    
In addition to supporting leading nonprofit partners, OCUW develops key community initiatives to address specific community needs: Success by 6, Somos Familia, Keeping Kids on Track, and Women’s Empowerment Portfolio

2001:
Women’s Philanthropy Fund launched as first Orange County United Way donor circle established based on donor interest, and has grown to be a national model for United Way Women’s Leadership Councils

Additional donor circles introduced to galvanize donors based on interests and industry segments within Tocqueville & Leaders’ Society Programs like: Women’s Philanthropy Fund, Women Looking Forward, Bench and Bar, and Real Estate Community Builders

2004:        
OCUW implements the “Community Impact” funding strategy through highly competitive grant application process with clear focus on Education, Income, and Basic Needs (food, medical and shelter) program services

2008:
OCUW adopts the LIVE UNITED mantra

2010:        
Banking on the Future initiative launched

Destination Graduation initiative launched

Loyal Contributors Program launched, recognizing donors for their longevity of support to United Way by giving 10 years or more

2011:        
OCUW enters into three-year consecutive grant agreement with leading Community Impact Partners

Building United Partnership with Habitat for Humanity Orange County launched

OCUW welcomes new leadership, naming Max Gardner (former OCUW donor and Board member) as CEO and President of OCUW

Orange County United Way mission changed to: improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of Orange County to strengthen our community, with a focus on the Building Blocks for a good quality of life: Education, Income, and Health reframed to best support expansion of our community impact work

2012:        
SparkPoint OC Financial Empowerment Center launched in Westminster at Abrazar

Emerging Tocqueville Leaders Donor Circle launched

Strategic planning process to establish 10-year community level aspirational goals and strategies launched

Destination Graduation program introduced in three intermediate schools (Carr, McFadden, and Spurgeon)

2013:
2nd SparkPoint OC Financial Empowerment Center launched in Santa Ana at the Delhi Center
 

United Way Worldwide Timeline

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