History

United Way of Greater Greensboro began in response to the money-raising techniques established during World War I. First called the Greensboro Community Chest, its initial campaign in 1922 under the leadership of H. Smith Richardson raised approximately $68,000. In 1940 the first campaign goal was achieved. By this time the number of member agencies had risen to fourteen. In 1954, and again in 1963, 1967 and 1976 successful capital funds campaigns for participating agencies were conducted, resulting in new construction projects totaling more than four million dollars.

In 1957 the Chest became the United Fund. The administrative headquarters of the organization was located in the Ceaser Cone memorial building. This structure, which was located at 1301 N. Elm Street, was built from funds left to the community through bequests of the Cone family. In 1969, upon recommendation by a committee of community leaders, the United Fund and Community Council were merged into a single organization, the United Community Services.

In May 1974, to conform to the national trend, the name United Way of Greater Greensboro was adopted.

In 1992, United Way of Greater Greensboro moved into a new facility at 1500 Yanceyville Street. The building was paid for through a donation from Sidney Stern, Jr. and the proceeds from the sale of the 1301 N. Elm Street facility.

United Way assumed the referral service responsibility for all of Guilford County in 1994, creating a Community Services Division with the establishment of the United Way In Touch Referral Service, now known as 2-1-1. In 2004 United Way of Greater Greensboro conducted a community-wide needs assessment to determine our area of focus related to the community’s most pressing needs. Three areas of focus were born directing United Way’s priorities to include: Growing Successful Kids, Helping People Help Themselves, and Caring for Everyone’s Health. These priorities exist today and closely align with United Way of America’s national priorities that support the building blocks for a good life: Education, Income & Health.

In 2004 United Way of Greater Greensboro conducted a community-wide needs assessment to determine our area of focus related to the community's most pressing needs. Three areas of focus were born directing United Way's priorities to include: Growing Successful Kids, Helping People Help Themselves, and Caring for Everyone's Health. These priorities exist today and closely align with United Way of America's national priorities that support the building blocks for a good life: Education, Income & Health.