A HISTORY OF LOCAL IMPACT

National philanthropist MacKenzie Scott recognizes United Way of Greater Greensboro’s strategy to end local poverty and donates $10 million. The gift is the largest in organizational history. United Way deepens its commitment to ending poverty and launches a new bold goal to help 3,000 households leave poverty by 2030.

A tornado impacts East Greensboro and United Way partners with city and community leaders to establish a task force which raises and distributes more than $800,000 in relief. Two years later, United Way utilizes the same partnerships to raise and distribute $2.6 million in county-wide relief during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

In 2017, United Way of Greater Greensboro celebrates 95 years and presents positive Family Success Center outcomes at United Way Worldwide’s Community Leaders Conference.  Thanks to your continued support, the next 95 years will be even better!

Greensboro’s first Family Success Center is launched to provide integrated, place-based services to meet the needs of the entire family so that each family enters the path toward self-sufficiency. One hundred families are enrolled in the inaugural program.

Inspired by community input, United Way of Greater Greensboro focuses its strategic efforts on breaking the cycle of poverty. One year later, the organization launches its first Family Success Center to help households move out of poverty. The Center goes on to receive national recognition.

For the first time, United Way receives $1 million from an annual employee and corporate campaign – Lorillard, Inc.

United Way conducts community-wide assessment – Voices. Choices. – to determine community needs. Three focus areas were then developed: Growing Successful Kids, Helping People Help Themselves, and Caring for Everyone’s Health.

Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole establishes United Way’s local African American Leadership group comprised of individuals who contribute $1,000 or more annually and commit to addressing minority needs. One year later, Dr. Cole becomes the first African American to chair United Way of America’s board of directors.

The Honorable Bonnie McElveen-Hunter establishes the nation’s first-ever Women’s Tocqueville Society in Greensboro with 40 other women each contributing $10,000 or more annually. Within a few years, United Way organizations replicate this female-led movement around the world.

The Joseph M. Bryan Human Services Grant is established to recognize Bryan’s lifelong commitment to the welfare of the Greensboro community.

Based on community feedback, United Way launches the In Touch Referral Service hotline helping people access human services 24/7. In its first year, the hotline connects 10,000 people to services. At the turn of the century, the hotline became known regionally as 2-1-1.  

The Alexis de Tocqueville Society of Greater Greensboro is established with 16 charter members. Tocqueville Society members contribute $10,000+ annually to United Way.

Dr. William C. Parker Jr. becomes the first African American to chair an annual campaign. Two years later in 1988, he is elected as the first African American Chairman of the Board. In both leadership roles, Dr. Parker Jr. surpassed campaign goals.

The organization changes its name to United Way of Greater Greensboro and continues to help establish new community programs that provide mobile meals, a bus system for people in need, after-school tutoring and community-wide volunteering.

The United Fund becomes United Community Services.

With support from Kathleen and Joseph M. Bryan, the organization establishes the Community Enrichment and Venture Grant Program. These grants are used to ensure equitable access to human services and develop innovative programs to solve community needs. 

United Fund moves to the Ceasar Cone Memorial Community Services Building, 1301 N. Elm St. – it’s home for 35 years. 

The organization changes its name to United Fund and moves into the Caesar Cone Memorial Community Services Building. The move is made possible thanks to long-standing support from the Cone family, who are known for their significant business and philanthropic impact.

Dr. Ruth Shiffman, first female president, retires after 17 years of leadership and is recognized for her many accomplishments, including increasing the number of companies participating in payroll deduction.

The U.S. enters World War II and Community Chests across the nation adopt the name “Community and War Chest,” to support both community agencies and war efforts. During the war, Greensboro’s response and generosity was recognized as a national leader among other communities.  

The first campaign goal of $87,750 is achieved and supports 14 agencies.

A gift to the city from the Richardson family, the Civic and Cultural Center is located at Summit Avenue and Lindsay Street. Other tenants include the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Greensboro Art Center, and the Greensboro Public Library.  

During the Great Depression, the organization breaks gender norms and elects Laura Weil Cone president of the board. Seven years later in 1939, Dr. Ruth Y. Schiffman is hired as the first female executive director, a position she held for 16 years.