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UNITED WAY
The following history of the United Way in the Minneapolis was compiled from information provided by the United Way:
The concept of United Way has evolved over a century. United
Way of Minneapolis Area is one of more than 2,000 local
United Way organizations in the country and one of 50 in the
State of Minnesota. Each one is an independent and
autonomous organization founded and governed by local
volunteers. Those volunteers determine the name, principles,
policies, activities and methods of operation for each
United Way. All are joined, however in a common cause to
enable the private sector to effectively and efficiently
help people in need and improve their communities’ quality
of life.
1915
THE COUNCIL OF SOCIAL AGENCIES was formed at the suggestion
of the forerunner to the Chamber of Commerce to: 1) increase
leadership and participation of the business and public
sectors in voluntary socials agencies; and 2) to protect the
community from non-legitimate fund-raising schemes.
1916
THE WAR CHEST was organized to be the clearinghouse in World
War I for collecting, budgeting and distributing funds to
agencies which were providing recreation and service
programs for servicemen stateside and overseas. After the
war, the Minneapolis War Chest turned over $700,000 to the
Council of Social Agencies for distribution to local social
agencies for the following year.
1919
THE TOWN TEA KETTLE was the name chosen for the post World
War I fund- raising effort of the Minneapolis Council of
Social Agencies.
THE COMMUNITY FUND was organized as the fund-raising
division of the Minneapolis Council of Social Agencies.
Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the Community Fund responded
to human need in the depression years. Dramatic strides were
made in planning, research and budgeting techniques.
1942
THE WAR FUND combined all national and local fund-raising
activities for wartime and peacetime social, health and
recreational welfare activities. The Minneapolis Council of
Social Agencies’ Community Fund staff directed the new
combined appeal.
1946
THE COMMUNITY CHEST conducted its first fund drive with the
Red Feather symbol. In 1949, the Community Chest and Council
of Hennepin County was incorporated. The “Council” replaced
the Council of Social Agencies.
1960
THE UNITED FUND OF HENNEPIN COUNTY was established in
response to a proliferation of fund-raising efforts. The
United Fund conducted an annual federated campaign and
distributed funds to national agencies, the Community Health
and Welfare Council and the Community Chest. The Community
Health and Welfare Council was incorporated in 1960 to
devote its efforts to community planning and research
including consultation to the United Fund. The Community
Chest was incorporated as the budget and distribution arm
for 58 local agencies in 1960.
1967
THE UNITED FUND OF MINNEAPOLIS AREA was established to
reflect both a change in function and broadened economic
base.
1973
The name UNITED WAY OF MINNEAPOLIS AREA was adopted by the
Board of Directors on March15, 1973, to dramatize the
collaborative function of meeting human need through the
joint voluntary efforts of contributors, providers and
services and consumers.
1988 Success By 6® was established at the Minneapolis Area
United Way in 1988 as a guideline for early childhood
development. Adopted as a national model, the initiative has
spread to more than 350 cities in the United States and
Canada, ensuring healthy development of children from
conception to age six.
1992
United Way Caring Connection a group volunteer program began
in 1992 as a week of caring, matching volunteer groups from
local companies with projects at our partner agencies.
Currently, our United Way is one of a few United Ways to
have a year-round Caring Connection. To date over 100,000
Caring Connection volunteers have donated over $1 million in
time and resources to the community.
2001
Minneapolis Area United Way and St. Paul Area United Way
merged creating Greater Twin Cities United Way. The merger
allowed for more effective and efficient use of resources to
serve the needs of our community.
2002
First Call for Help was established in 1948 as a hotline to
assist people in need. In 2002, First Call for Help
transformed into United Way 2-1-1, a free, confidential,
statewide information and referral service connecting people
to over 40,000 community services.
The contributions and efforts of the Council of Social
Agencies, Minneapolis War Chest and Saint Paul Community
Chest are recognized as the foundation of what is now
Greater Twin Cities United Way. While our community has
changed dramatically since 1915, and our name has undergone
a few modifications, what has remained constant is the idea
behind United Way. This notion of united giving has
demonstrated flexibility and durability, as it continues to
serve the needs of our ever-changing community. Through the
foresight, compassion, action and sacrifice displayed by the
tens of thousands of volunteers of our community and by
staff past and present, year after year United Way continues
to fulfill its mission of improving lives and strengthening
communities.
For information on the history of giving in St. Louis Park,
see the chapter on the Community
Fund.
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This information comes from a variety of sources: newspapers, books, yearbooks, phone directories, interviews, etc. Given the varied sources, we cannot guarantee that all of this information is correct, and welcome any additions and corrections. Please contact us with your contributions and comments.