Founded in 1920 under the name Community Chest of Greater New Haven, the organization changed its name to the United Fund of Greater New Haven in 1951 and, in 1971, adopted the name United Way of Greater New Haven after a merger of the United Fund and Community Council.
Regardless of its name, throughout its history, the organization has always served the needs of the times. United Way of Greater New Haven has helped our community access healthy food and housing, provided children with support to thrive, and built pathways to financial security.
Historical Highlights
More Than a Monopoly Space
United Way was founded in 1920 as the New Haven Community Chest. The organization brought community members together “to provide relief to vulnerable populations.”
Responding to the Depression
Concerned with the effects of the Great Depression in the 1930s, the Community Chest focused its efforts on providing funds for unemployment relief agencies, while continuing to support “indispensable services” such as hospitals, child welfare, and crime prevention.
Helping on the Homefront
The New Haven Community Chest helped meet the needs of the war effort in the 1940s by supporting troops abroad and helping local families.
Revolutionizing Giving
In the 1950s, unions started payroll deduction as a way to make charitable giving to the United Fund/Community Chest charities easier. Check out our current Champions Circle supporters here.
Collaboration is Key
In 1971, United Fund of Greater New Haven (formerly the Community Chest) and the Community Council of Greater New Haven consolidated to form the United Way of Greater New Haven.
Identifying Priority Needs
In 2002, United Way brought together 40 organizations to conduct a comprehensive community needs assessment, called Community Compass. The assessment identified disparities in education and economic opportunities as the two areas of greatest need, spurring United Way to focus on these key issues.
Helping Our Youngest Residents Thrive
United Way launched Success By 6™ in 2003 to raise awareness about the importance of early childhood development. Since then, tens of thousands of young children in Greater New Haven have benefited from United Way’s advocacy, funding, and leadership around early childhood.
Providing Stable Housing
In 2014, United Way played a leading role in the 100-Day Challenge to End Homelessness in Greater New Haven, an effort to bring the homeless-serving organizations in our region together to find housing for chronically homeless individuals. This led to the creation of the Greater New Haven Coordinated Access Network (CAN), which is run by United Way..
Bringing Neighbors Together
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021, the needs of our region became greater than ever before. But the spirit of unity also grew as we led our neighbors and local community organizations to help everyone thrive. Together, we distributed 1.4 million pounds of food to help nourish hungry neighbors and housed over 2,000 families.
Let’s Work Together On What’s Next
United Way combines generations of expertise with the power of community. When we come together with bold goals and coordinated action, we can drive positive change for all. Help us continue to make an impact throughout history.