The United Way movement was born in Denver, Colorado in 1887 when leaders from the faith community came together to address poverty and other social needs of their community. They formed an organization to plan and coordinate services and collect funds for several agencies in a single campaign. The one-campaign-for-all concept was viewed as a more efficient way to raise and divide funds for those in need.
This concept or movement was established in various cities in Canada in the early 20th century. The United Way in Canada movement has operated over the years as Community Chest, Red Feather Appeal, United Appeal, United Community Fund, and now as United Way - a multi-cultural and non-denominational non-profit organization.
The United Way movement as a whole is increasing its expertise in identifying and addressing the root causes of social issues and adopting a more strategic approach to community investment, seeking to achieve cumulative, measurable, lasting change in their communities.
In 1896, Women's Christian Association founded Charity Organization Society of London, which planned, coordinated and raised funds for community welfare services. To include other welfare organizations outside of Charity Organization Society, London Social Service Federation was formed in 1914. The Federation planned, raised funds, established training and development for social workers, and provided public education.
In 1920, the Federation was replaced by two organizations: United Social Service Welfare Fund, which became the fundraiser for local charities, and Social Service Council, which assumed responsibility for social planning.
Although a separation of the planning and fundraising functions had worked successfully in other communities, London did not favour this arrangement. As a result, London Council of Social Agencies was established in 1930.
Keen competition for donors' dollars made it clear that a more effective way to raise funds had to be found. Undertaking one campaign for all agencies would conserve precious volunteer hours, and reduce the cost and nuisance of so many appeals. For this reason, London Community Chest was established in 1940, replacing the United Social Service Welfare Fund. All charities were invited to participate in one annual campaign and the first fall campaign surpassed its goal of $90,000.
The amalgamation of the London Council of Social Agencies and the Community Chest came into effect in early 1948, becoming the Community Chest and Planning Council of London, an organization that emphasized the equality of both fundraising and planning.
By 1958 it became clear that a more formalized structure was needed to unify and co-ordinate the two functions: fundraising and planning. A reorganization of the agency was carried out to accomplish this goal and United Community Services was born.
Our current constitution was written during this period, completed in 1963.
After almost 20 years of operation, United Community Services sought new directions: it was faced with a heavy demand for dollars, a limited supply of those dollars and an increase in the number of charitable campaigns. The year 1976, therefore, marked the beginning of a process of gradual and progressive change. The name United Way of Greater London was formally adopted in April 1976, giving the agency the same name and logo as its 2,422 colleague organizations in the United States and Canada.
1976 also marked a change in the way funds were allocated. Instead of simply providing funding towards a member agency's total operations, it moved to allocate dollars to specific services and programs. This enhanced United Way's ability to meet the areas of greatest need in the community.
Recognizing the importance of the labour movement - both as a source of voluntary dollars and as a user of services - the position of Labour Coordinator was created in 1978.
In 1986, after several years of intensive research and evaluation, United Way of Greater London concluded that its funding emphasis must be directed to high risk groups and people living in poverty - priorities which are still in effect today.
It was becoming apparent that United Way of Greater London's "community" was growing and there was a need to better reflect its commitment to making its services accessible to residents of Middlesex County as well. In May of 1992, United Way of Greater London became United Way of London & Middlesex.
As is the & United Way movement as a whole, United Way of London & Middlesex continues to evolve, increasing its & commitment to and finding innovative ways for community-wide collaborations, addressing root causes of social issues and measuring and communicating results. In November 2008, United Way of London & Middlesex updated its vision, mission and values to better reflect and align with this evolution.
Learn more about the history of the United Way movement.